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THEOLOGICAL  SEWiNARY 


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THE 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY 


MINISTERIAL    LIFE 


THE  REV.  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  D.D. 

EDITED   AND    COMPILED    BY 

THE     REV.     JAMES    CARNAHAN,    D.D., 

LATE  PBESIDENT  OF  THE  COLLEGE  OF  NEW  JEBSET. 


FEW  YORK: 
M.    W.   DODD,    59    CHAMBERS   STREET. 

1856. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1866, 

By  W.  M.  DODD, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


B.  OBAIOHSAO,  PRINTEK, 
£3  Vatt  Strut,  Not  YurK 


PREFACE. 


The  late  Eev.  Dr.  A.  Alexandee,  a  man  full  of  good 
deeds,  proposed  at  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  College  of 
New  Jersey,  that  a  blank  book  be  provided,  and  that  a 
brief  notice  of  Graduates  of  the  College  be  recorded  there- 
in. This  proposition  was  adopted,  and  the  book  was  com- 
mitted to  the  mover  of  the  resolution,  and  he  filled  one 
hundred  and  ten  large  folio  pages  with  notices  of  different 
Alumni  of  the  College,  chiefly  from  his  own  knowledge. 
After  the  decease  of  Dr.  Alexander,  this  book  was  placed 
in  the  hands  of  the  subscriber,  with  a  request  that  the 
notices  be  continued. 

With  a  view  to  prepare  a  brief  account  of  the  late  Rev. 
John  Johnston,  D.D.,  a  Graduate  and  Trustee  of  the  Col- 
lege, an  inspection  of  such  papers  as  contained  information 
touching  the  subject  was  asked  and  kindly  granted  by  the 
family  of  the  deceased. 

On  examination,  these  papers  were  found  to  contain 
some  account  of  himself  and  of  the  churches  with  which  he 
had  been  connected,  written  for  the  gratification  of  his 
friends.  These  documents  exhibit  the  character  of  a  good 
man,  worthy  in  many  respects  of  imitation,  and  also  a  fuUer 


IV  PKEFACE. 

account  of  the  ori^n  and  progress  of  a  portion  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  than  is  elsewhere  to  be  found.  The  origi- 
nal design  of  recording  a  brief  account  of  the  individual 
was  abandoned,  and  the  papers  were  arranged,  and  are 
now  printed,  together  with  such  iuformation  as  came 
within  the  knowledge  of  the  Editor.  Such  is  the  origin  of 
the  following  work.  It  is  right  to  state,  that  in  noting 
some  things  respecting  himself,  Dr.  Johnston  had  not  the 
most  remote  idea  that  the  narrative  would  be  read  in  any 
other  form  than  in  his  manuscript  by  his  intimate  friends. 
His  modesty  would  have  shrunk  from  the  idea  of  exhibiting 
himself  before  the  public  as  worthy  of  notice.  Yet  his  bio- 
graphy is  not  less  interesting  and  instructive  because  it  was 
intended  only  for  the  gratification  of  his  intimate  friends. 
His  long  ministerial  Ufe  is  so  interwoven  with  the  history 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  region  between  the 
cities  of  New  York  and  Albany,  that  the  one  cannot  be 
understood  without  a  knowledge  of  the  other.  It  is  with 
a  view  of  rescuing  from  oblivion  important  facts  respecting 
that  section  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as  well  as  of  testi- 
fying our  respect  for  the  memory  of  a  good  and  useful  man? 
that  we  present  this  small  book  to  the  Christian  reader, 
believing  he  will  find  in  the  perusal  instruction  and  encour- 
agement in  the  performance  of  his  duty. 

JAMES  CAKNAHAN. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER    I. 


His  parentage — His  baptism — Early  reminiscences- 
Dutch  parsonage — Death  of  Colonel  Barber — Small-pox 
—Removal  to  a  farm — Going  to  school — The  Bible  read 
in  school — Farming — Placed  iu  a  store — Conversation 
with  his  father  respecting  an  occupation — Chooses  an 
education — Commences  Latin  under  his  pastor,  the  Rev. 
J.  Freeman — Advice  given  by  his  father — Goes  to  school 
in  Montgomery — Removed  to  Kingston  Academy — The 
death  of  his  father — Makes  arrangement  to  enter  col- 
lege— Drives  cattle  to  market — Conversation  of  two 
little  boys  respecting  God — Recognises  one  of  these 
boys  forty-five  years  afterwards 9 


CHAPTER    II. 

Journey  to  Princeton — No  steamboats  or  railroads — The 
first  steamboat^ — Enters  college — The  faculty — The 
want  of  class-books — His  class-mates — College  life — 
The  state  of  religion  in  the  college — Journey  home  in 
vacation — -The  death  of  General  Washington — Anxiety 
after  commencement — Thinks  of  the  gospel  ministry- 
Consults  the  Rev.  A.  King — ^Admitted  to  the  comma- 


VI  CONTENTS. 

nion  of  the  church — Determines  to  prepare  for  the  mi- 
nistry— Returns  to  Princeton,  to  study  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Dr.  Smith — The  burning  of  the  college — Stu- 
dents scattered 25 

CHAPTER    III. 

Determines  to  cross  the  mountains,  and  to  study  under 
the  Rev.  Dr.  McMillan — Travels  on  horseback — Penn- 
sylvania waggons — Mountain  scenery — Goitre,  and 
causes  thereof — ^The  country  west  of  the  mountains — 
The  houses — Arrives  at  Canonsburg — Meets  Dr.  McMil- 
lan— His  personal  appearance — His  preaching — Joins 
the  theological  class — ^Attends  an  ordination,  in  com- 
pany with  Dr.  McMillan — Passes  through  Pittsburg — 
The  course  of  study — An  account  of  a  remarkable  revi- 
val of  religion,  attended  with  bodily  affections S"? 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Determines  to  return  east  of  the  mountains,  to  teach 
in  a  private  family — An  account  of  his  journey — Passes 
through  Baltimore  and  Annapolis — Crosses  the  Chesa- 
peake— Finds  the  place  engaged  pre-occupied — Disap- 
pointment and  great  perplexity — Succeeds  in  obtaining 
another  place — Incidents  in  Maryland — Leaves  Mary- 
land— Returns  through  Philadelphia  to  Orange  coun- 
ty— Returns  to  Princeton,  and  studies  under  Dr.  H.  Kol- 
lock — Appointed  tutor  in  the  college — Incidents  in  that 
office — ^The  Osage  Indians 59 


CHAPTER    V. 

Resigns  tutorship — Licensed  to  preach— -Returns  to 
Orange  county — Supplies  vacant  congregations,  under 
the  direction  of  the  presbytery  of  Hudson — Accepts  a 
call  fi'om  the  congregations  of  New  Windsor  and  New- 

i_  burgh — History  of  the  church  of  New  Windsor  and 


CONTENTS.  Vll 

Newburgh— His  marriage— His  ordination— Commences 
housekeeping — Resigns  thecbarge  of  New  Windsor,  and 
gives  his  whole  time  to  Newburgh — The  origin  of  the 
church  in  Newburgh — ^The  ministers  who  preceded 
him — The  extent  of  his  charge — An  infidel  club  in  New- 
burgh— Ignorance  of  the  religious  state  of  Newburgh 
— Opposition  of  friends  to  his  location 11 


CHAPTER    VI. 

His  first  discourses  after  ordination — The  way  he  treated 
infidelity,  and  the  results — Pastoral  duties  during  the 
first  years  of  his  ministry — Catechetical  instruction, 
and  Bible  classes — Weekly  lecture — Revivals  in  1812- 
13,  in  1815-16,  in  1819-20,  in  1824-25,  in  1831— New 
measures — Division  of  the  synod  into  old  and  new 
school — The  effect  on  vital  piety — Revival  in  1843 — 
The  reasons  why  the  number  of  church  members  did 
not  increase — Dismissions  to  other  churches  given  when 
asked 98 


CHAPTER  VII. 
The  means  used  to  watch  over  the  members  of  his  church, 
and  to  keep  himself  acquainted  with  the  state  of  his 
congregation — Emmonism — Change  of  views  and  prac- 
tice in  baptizing  children  and  adults — Re-baptizing 
Roman  Catholics — Efforts  to  educate  young  men  for  the 
gospel  ministry — ^The  Wills  of  Robert  and  Marion  Hall, 
and  Gilbert  King,  establishing  the  Ed  and  King  Scho- 
larship in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Princeton — 
Ministers'  wives — Church  music 129 


CHAPTER    VIII. 
Efforts  to  organize  a  Second  Presbyterian  church  in  New- 
burgh— Extract  of  an  address  on   that   subject — The 
result — The  Second  church  becomes  New  School,  and 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

is  dissolved — The  increase  of  churches  in  Newburgh-- 
Iraprovement  in  morals — Drs.  Brown  and  McCarroU — 
The  extent  of  the  original  Presbytery  of  Hudson — Va- 
cant congregations  and  supplies — Hudson  Presbytery 
divided,  and  North  River  Presbytery  formed — Bed- 
ford Presbytery  formed  from  North  River  Presby- 
tery— Two  New  School  Presbyteries  formed  from 
these — Increase  of  ministers — Punctuality  in  attending 
Presbytery  and  other  judicatories  of  the  church — Four- 
teen times  a  Commissioner  to  the  General  Assembly — A 
delegate  to  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut  and 
of  Massachussets — A  delegate  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion of  New  Hampshire  and  General  Convention  of  Ver- 
mont— Biography  of  140  ministers — Records  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Dutchess — Elected  a  Trustee  of  the  Col- 
lege of  New  Jersey — ^The  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity 
conferred    148 


CHAPTER    IX. 
Review  of  his  Ministry — Seven  Discourses — His  last  ill- 
ness— Noble  Resolution  of  his  Congregation — ^The  Visit 
of  Two  Friends— Partial  Recovery—Attends  Commence- 
ment at  Princeton — His  Death — Funeral  Services. HI 


CHAPTER    X. 
Concluding  Summary 181 

Affkndix 19'7 


AUTOBIOGRAniy. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Hia  parentapfe — His  baptism — Early  reminiscencea — Dutch 
parsonage — Death  of  Colonel  Barber — Small-pox — Re- 
moval to  a  farm — Going  to  school — The  Bible  read  in 
school — Farming — Placed  in  a  store — Conversation  with 
his  father  respecting  an  occupation — Chooses  an  education 
— Commences  Latin  under  his  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  Freeman — 
Advice  given  by  his  father — Goes  to  school  in  Montgomery 
— Removed  to  Kingston  Academy — The  death  of  his  father 
— Makes  arrangement  to  enter  college — Drives  cattle  to 
market — Conversation  of  two  little  boys  respecting  God — 
Recognises  one  of  these  boys  forty-five  years  afterwards. 

To  profit  myself,  and  to  gratify  my  friends,  I 
have  determined  to  note  a  few  things  respect- 
ing myself,  from  my  birth  to  the  present  time. 
My  parents  were  from  the  north  of  Ireland. 
2 


10  ArTOBIOGKAPIIY. 

My  father  from  tlie  county  of  Cavan,  and  my 
mother  from  Longford. 

My  father,  the  youngest  of  thirteen  children, 
was  often  heard  to  say,  that  his  great-grand- 
father came  from  England,  in  connexion  with 
the  army  under  King  William,  and  fought  in 
the  battle  of  the  Boyne,  July  1st,  1690.  When 
the  army  was  disbanded  he  remained  in  Ire- 
land, and  settled  in  the  county  of  Cavan. 
There  my  father  was  born,  December  1st,  1743, 
his  parents  being  in  connexion  with  the  Epis- 
copal church.  In  1771  he  emigrated  to  this 
countr}",  and  located  himself  in  the  province 
of  I^ew  York,  intending  to  return  to  his  native 
land  at  the  end  of  seven  years.  In  the  year 
1775  my  mother,  Jane  Moncrifi,  in  company 
with  her  brother  Charles,  arrived  in  this  coun- 
try, and  tarried  with  a  distant  relative,  in  the 
neighborhood  where  my  father  resided.  Al- 
though m  the  old  country  my  father  and  mo- 
ther had  no  knowledge  of  each  other,  their 
common  origin  on  the  Emerald  Isle  led  to  an 
acquaintance,  which  terminated  in  marriage  in 
1777. 


PARENTAGE.  11 

On  tlic"2Stli  of  January,  1T7S,  I  was  born,  in 
tlie  township  of  Montgomery  and  county  of 
Ulster,  but  now  (1851)  township  of  Crawford 
and  county  of  Orange,  State  of  iNew  York.  I 
was  named  John,  the  name  of  my  paternal 
grandfather.  My  constitution  appeared  to  be 
feeble,  and  it  was  thought  by  my  parents  and 
their  neighbors  that  my  days  would  probably 
be  but  few.  My  father's  intention  of  returning 
to  Ireland  was  frustrated  by  the  revolutionary 
war,  which  commenced  soon  after  his  arrival  in 
this  country ;  and  before  the  close  of  the  war 
his  marriage  and  family  connexions  were  such 
as  precluded  the  hope  of  returning  to  the  home 
of  his  ancestors. 

I  have  heard  my  parents  say,  that  when  the 
frame  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Hopewell 
was  erecting  I  v.-as  laid  on  a  blanket  under  the 
shade  of  a  tree.  This  was  probably  in  the 
summer  of  1778.  My  father  had  a  better  edu- 
cation than  many  of  the  immigrants  from  Ire- 
land, and  he  was  employed  nearly  seven  years 
in  one  neighborhood  in  teaching  school.  In 
the  spring  of  1779  my  parents  removed  into  the 


12  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

parsonage     lionse    of    tlio     Reformed     Dutch 

church ;    and   by  a  minister  of  that  church  I 

was  baptized,  although  at  that  time  neither  my 

father  nor  my  mother  were  members,  in  full 

communion,   in   any   church.     My   father   was 

educated   in   the    Episcopal    church,   and   my 

mother  was  brought  up  in  connexion  with  the 

Presbyterian   church    in   Ireland.      She    after- 
r 
wards  became  a  member,  in  full  communion,  in 

the  Presbyterian  church  of  Hopewell,  and 
remained  such  until  her  death.  My  father  was 
as  actively  engaged  in  the  support  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  in  Hopewell,  as  if  he  had  been  a 
member  in  full  communion.  He  was  one  of 
the  trustees,  did  whatever  writing  was  neces- 
sary, and  kept  the  accounts  of  the  congrega- 
i   lion. 

I  have  a  distinct  recollection  of  several  things 
which  occurred  during  the  revolutionary  war. 
I  remember  the  erection  of  liberty  poles,  and 
the  death  of  Colonel  Barber,  a  particular  friend 
of  my  father.  The  colonel  was  killed  by  the 
falling  of  a  tree,  on  Saturday,  and  the  report  of 
his  death  was  brought  on  Sabbath  morning,  by 


SMALL-POX.  13 

persons  coming  to  public  -svorsliip.  My  father 
was  greatly  afi'ected,  and  shed  tears.  This 
arrested  my  attention,  and  was  so  deeply  im- 
pressed on  my  mind  that  I  have  at  this  day  a 
distinct  recollection  of  the  event,  although  it 
occurred  when  I  was  not  more  than  five  years 
old. 

At  that  time  there  was  no  little  prejudice 
against  inoculation,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the 
neighborhood  generally  dreaded  the  spread  of 
the  small-pox.  And  as  the  parsonage  was  con- 
sidered common  property,  it  was  resolved  to 
make  it  a  hospital,  for  the  accommodation  of  all 
who  thouglit  proper  to  submit  themselves,  or 
the  members  of  their  families,  to  inoculation. 
Some  forty  or  fifty  persons,  most  of  tliem  chil- 
dren, came  together  and  were  packed  away  in 
one  of  the  rooms,  and  the  doctor  and  his  attend- 
ants were  in  another.  Then  came  the  general 
performance.  The  patients  came  in  singly,  with 
a  cloth  saturated  with  whiskey  applied  to  the 
nose,  and  with  eyes  turned  away  from  the 
doctor  held  out  the  arm  that  had  been  made 
bare,  and  after  a  breathless  silence  of  a  minute 


14  AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

or  two  the  patient  made  way  for  another,  and 
so  on  until  the  whole  had  undergone  the  inocu- 
lating process.  I  ought  to  have  stated,  that  we 
had  previously  been  together  for  a  few  days 
undergoing  the  preparatory^  process — living  on 
mush  without  salt,  and  no  meat  of  any  kind. 
Medicine  was  given  in  abundance,  and  as  it 
was  administered  in  molasses  it  created  in  me 
such  a  disgust  that  I  have  loathed  molasses  ever 
since.  The  whole  terminated  favorably,  and 
generally  without  leaving  a  pit  or  mark. 

In  the  spring  of  1783  our  family  removed 
from  the  Dutch  parsonage  to  the  western  part 
of  the  town  of  Montgomery,  now  known  as  the 
town  or  township  of  Crawford.  And  although 
the  distance  was  only  three  miles,  the  common 
remark  was,,  that  Master  Johnston  (so  called  as 
having  been  a  school  teacher)  and  his  family 
had  removed  back  into  the  woods.  It  was  then 
an  unsettled  part  of  the  town,  and  yet  in  about 
thirty-five  years  that  same  neighborhood  in 
which  my  parents  were  the  pioneers  was  con- 
sidered the  most  highly  cultivated  part  of  the 
county.     Four  farmers  in   that  neighborhood 


FARMING.  15 

took  the  premium  for  five  successive  years  for 
liaving  the  best  cultivated  farms  in  the  county. 
The  distance  we  lived  from  the  school  was  more 
than  two  miles,  and  when  I  was  scarce  nine 
years  old  I,  and  a  sister  younger  than  myself, 
travelled  that  distance  on  foot,  day  after  day, 
summer  and  winter.  The  principal  book  read 
in  the  school  was  the  Bible,  and  I  can  to  this 
day  repeat  with  readiness  passages  which  I 
then  committed  to  memory  ;  and  I  recollect, 
with  precision,  the  history  of  the  deluge,  of 
Joseph,  and  Moses,  and  Sampson,  and  David, 
and  Goliah,  and  others  which  arrested  my  at- 
tention. This  single  foct  has  convinced  me  of 
the  importance  of  a  careful  and  constant  use  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  in  every  system  of  common 
school  education.  .,j 

I  was  engaged  on  the  farm  as  soon  as  I  wa3 
able  to  work,  and  have  reason  to  believe  that 
the  active  life  I  was  compelled  to  live  strength- 
ened my  constitution,  naturally  feeble,  and 
enabled  me  to  estimate  what  might  reasonably 
be  expected  from  a  laboring  man  when  em- 
ployed in  my  service,  and  also  taught  me  how 


16  AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 

to  use  and  take  care  of  animals.  I  can  re- 
member days  of  labor  and  work  performed 
which  would  now  be  thought  unreasonable  if 
exacted  from  a  youth  of  similar  age.  I  hare 
many  a  day  followed  the  plough  from  morning 
to  night.  I  have  oftentimes  had  to  obtain 
assistance  to  relieve  the  plough  fastened  under 
a  root  or  stone.'' 

In  the  fall  of  1794  I  went  to  remain  for  the 
winter  in  the  store  of  a  man  who  lived  three 
miles  distant.  In  the  spring,  when,  on  a  Mon- 
day morning,  I  was  preparing  to  return  to  the 
store,  my  father  told  me  to  sit  down,  that  he 
wished  to  have  a  conversation  with  me ;  and 
he  went  on  to  say,  that  it  was  time  I  began  to 
think  what  I  would  wish  to  be  employed  in  for 
life ;  that  he  had  been  thinking,  that  if  I  pre- 
ferred farming  he  would  purchase  a  farm  which 
was  for  sale,  and  it  would  be  ready  by  the  time 
I  would  want  it ;  or,  if  I  wished  to  be  a  mer- 
chant, I  must  complete  my  clerkship,  and  he 
would  try  to  help  me  in  commencing  business  ; 
or,  if  I  chose  an  education,  I  should  have  that. 
"  Take  time,"  said  he,  "  to  consider  these  pro- 


COMMENCES  LATIN.  17 

positions,  and  wlien  jou  have  made  np  your 
mind  let  me  know,  and  my  conduct  shall  be 
regulated  accordingly.  But  remember,  when 
you  decide  it  must  be  a  final  decision  ;  I  will 
have  no  change." 

I  replied,  "  Father,  I  am  ready." 

He  tried  to  dissuade  me  from  an  immediate 
decision.  But  I  replied  that  I  was  as  ready 
to  decide  novv  as  I  would  ever  be. 

"  And  what,"  said  he,  "  is  your  decision  V 

I  said,  "  Give  me  the  books." 

"  "Well,"  said  he,  "  go  and  bring  home  your 
effects  from  the  store,  and  you  must  remain 
with  me  on  the  farm  until  the  fall  harvest  is 
gathered  in,  and  then  you  shall  have  your  dis- 
charge." 

I  did  as  directed  ;  and  I  do  not  know  that 
Jacob  served  his  time  more  cheerfully,  in  view 
of  obtaining  Rachel,  than  I  labored  through 
the  summer,  in  the  prospect  of  obtaining  an 
education. 

On  the  lith  of  December,  1795,  I  entered 
upon  a  course  of  stud}^,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Rev.  Jonathan  Freeman,  pastor  of  the  con- 
2* 


18  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

gregatlon  of  Hopewell.  There  were  also  three 
others,  sons  of  farmers  belonging  to  the  pastoral 
charge  of  Mr.  Freeman,  who  commenced  study 
Avith  myself  One  of  them  is  a  wealthy  ftirraer, 
still  living ;  the  other  two  are  dead.  One  of 
tliem  became  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and, 
after  thirty  ^^ears  of  usefulness,  died  in  the 
midst  of  his  people,  in  the  hope  of  a  blessed 
immortality  ;  the  other,  after  spending  much 
money  to  no  valuable  purpose,  died  in  early 
life. 

My  father  used  to  counsel  me  in  reference  to 
certain  places  and  practices,  which  made  a  deep 
impression  on  my  mind,  and  which  has  been  of 
great  service  to  me  all  my  life.  So  impressed 
was  I  with  his  counsels,  that  I  cannot  to  this 
day  remain  long  in  a  tavern  without  feeling 
condemned.  The  old  gentleman  was  a  deadly 
enemy  to  theatres ;  and  such  was  the  effect 
of  his  admonitions  on  the  subject,  that  I  have 
never  been  inside  of  a  theatre,  or  attended 
a  public  ball  in  my  life.  As  to  Free-masonry, 
he  lived  and  died  in  the  full  belief  that  Free- 
masons had  dealings  with  the  devil ;  and  crro- 


GOES   TO   SCHOOL   IN   MONTGOMEEY.  19 

neous  as  this  opinion  may  have  been,  his  conn- 
sels  on  the  subject  have  had  the  effect  of  pre- 
venting me  entering  a  lodge,  and  I  am  not  con- 
scious that  I  have  ever  had  a  desire  to  know 
what  the  mysteries  of  Masonry  are.  lie  was 
always  ready  to  explain  to  children  the  reasons 
why  he  performed  any  act.  I  remember,  when 
I  was  about  ten  years  of  age,  asking  him  why 
he  cut  the  upper  end  of  a  stake  which  he  was 
going  to  drive  into  the  ground,  square  or  even, 
and  he  replied,  that  he  might  drive  it  into  the 
ground  with  the  poll  of  the  axe.  This  simple 
act,  and  the  reason  assigned  for  doing  it,  sug- 
gested to  me  the  importance  of  forethought,  and 
of  adopting  means  suited  to  accomplish  an  end 
in  view.  Truly  we  know  not  what  the  result  of 
a  single  act,  or  a  single  word,  may  be.  Parents 
and  instructors  should  always  be  ready  to  ex- 
plain to  children  the  reasons  of  what  they  do. 
Beneficial  impressions  may  be  made  when  least 
expected. 

In  the  spring  of  1797  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman 
was  preparing  to  remove  and  take  charge  of  tho 
congregation   of  Bethlehem,   fifteen  or  twenty 


20  AUTOBIOGKAPHT. 

miles  distant,  and  it  became  necessary  to  seek 
another  instructor.  My  father  procured  board- 
ing for  me  in  tlie  village  of  Montgomery,  about 
a  mile  from  the  academy  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Eeuben  ISTeely.  I  returned  to  my  father's 
house  every  Saturday  afternoon,  and  back  to 
the  school,  eight  miles  distant,  on  Monday 
morning.  Here  I  remained  for  two  years,  until 
Mr.  Neely  relinquished  the  charge  of  the  aca- 
demy. I  was  removed  to  an  academy  in  King- 
ston, under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Timothy  Smith, 
•who  afterwards  w^as  api^ointed  Professor  of 
Ancient  Languages  in  Union  College.  I  re- 
mained in  E-ingston  until  the  last  day  of  Sep- 
tember, when  about  sundown  two  men  came  to 
take  me  home,  informing  me  that  ray  father 
had  died  suddenly  the  preceding  night.  I 
arrived  in  time  to  see  his  corpse  before  its 
removal,  and  then  followed  his  remains  to  the 
burying-ground  connected  with  the  church  of 
"  Goodwill." 

This  was  a  solemn  providence  ;  not  only  in 
the  loss  of  an  intelligent,  affectionate,  and  de- 
voted parent,  but  as  it  presented  an  insuperable 


DEIVES   CATTLE   TO   MARKET.  21 

obstacle  (in  my  apprehension)  to  the  completion 
of  my  education.  It  produced  a  train  of 
thought  solemn  and  trying,  and  I  was  often  led 
to  inquire,  "  What  shall  1  do — what  is  best  to 
be  done  ?"  Various  plans  presented  themselves, 
and  no  sooner  were  they  considered  than  they 
were  abandoned.  While  some  schemes  would 
promise  self-advantage,  the  comfort  and  happi- 
ness of  my  mother,  and  the  rest  of  the  family, 
would  be  overlooked.  After  some  days  were 
spent  in  this  sad  state  of  mind,  my  mother  sug- 
gested that  it  would  be  best  for  me  to  go  to 
college,  and  she  would  endeavor  to  keep  the 
family  together,  and  provide  for  me  the  means 
of  completing  my  education.  The  subject  was 
considered  and  talked  of  for  several  days,  and 
finally  it  was  agreed  that  I  should  enter  college. 
As  money  would  be  wanted,  it  was  proposed  to 
dispose  of  some  of  the  stock  that  could  be 
spared.  In  company  with  a  neighbor,  who  was 
in  the  habit  of  driving  cattle  into  the  counties 
of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  I  became  a 
drover.  This  was  a  new  business,  but  I  en- 
gaged in  it  with  alacrity,  inasmuch  as  the  result 


22  AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 

was  to  be  for  my  benefit.  After  crossing  the 
river  at  Newburgh,  we  visited  Fishkill  and  Phi- 
lipstown,  and  on  tlie  second  day  passed  below 
Yorktown  in  Westchester.  As  sales  had  been 
made  of  a  sufficient  number  of  cattle  to  furnish 
me  with  money  enough  for  my  immediate 
wants,  it  was  thought  advisable  that  I  should 
return. 

Leaving  the  drover  and  the  rest  of  the  com- 
pany, I  returned  as  far  as  Yorktown,  and 
took  lodgings  for  the  night.  This  was  the  first 
time  in  my  life  that  I  felt  myself  to  be  in  a 
lonely  situation.  I  was  far  from  friends,  and 
knew  not  that  there  was  any  individual  near 
me  that  had  ever  heard  of  me,  or  cared  for  me. 
With  these  feelings  I  retired  to  rest,  and  in  the 
morning,  about  daylight,  I  was  waked  by  two 
little  boys,  in  a  trundle-bed  at  the  foot  of  the 
bed  in  which  I  was,  talking  about  God — won- 
dering if  God  could  see  them — could  he  see 
them  in  the  dark  ?  could  he  see  them  if  they 
covered  heads  with  the  blanket?  and  similar 
questions.  Their  conversation  arrested  my 
attention,  and  left  an  impression  which  I  have 


RECOGNITION.  23 

never  forgotten,  and  which  has  frequently  oc- 
curred to  me  during  the  whole  of  my  life.  In 
this  connexion  I  would  remark,  that  some  forty- 
five  years  after  the  occasion  above  stated  I  was 
brought  to  recognise  one  of  these  little  boys,  in 
the  following  manner  : — During  the  meeting  of 
our  synod,  in  the  city  of  Xew  York,  I  was 
invited,  with  some  twenty  others,  ministers  and 
ruling  elders,  to  dine  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Potts. 
At  table  the  conversation  turned  on  what  has 
frequently  occurred,  viz.  that  great  events  often 
arose  from  apparently  trivial  circumstances — ■ 
that  the  course  of  a  man's  life  ofttimes  was 
determined  by  a  word  dropped  in  conversation, 
or  by  a  contingency  over  which  the  individual 
has  no  control.  Reference  was  made  to  inci- 
dents in  the  life  of  George  Whitefield,  Dr. 
Rogers,  Dr.  McWhorter,  and  others.  I  was 
reminded  of  what  occurred  to  myself  at  York- 
town,  and  I  repeated  the  conversation  of  the 
two  little  boys,  above  stated,  and  remarked  that 
that  incident  determined  the  course  of  my 
future  life,  and  was  the  cause,  under  God,  of  my 
becoming  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and  a  mem- 


24  AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

ber  of  the  synod  of  New  York.  A  gentleman 
at  the  foot  of  the  table  inquired  when,  and 
where,  and  at  whose  house,  that  which  I  had 
related  occurred.  I  answered,  it  was  in  the 
month  of  October,  1799,  in  Yorktown,  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Purdy,  opposite  the  Presbyterian 
church.  The  gentleman,  with  quivering  lips, 
and  tears  in  his  eyes,  said,  "  I  am  one  of  those 
two  little  boys,  and  am  here  as  a  ruling  elder  in 
the  Presbyterian  chnrch."  "  Whoso  is  wise, 
and  will  olserve  these  things,  even  they  shall 
understand  the  loving  "kindness  of  the  Lord^ 

I  returned  in  safety  to  my  mother's  house, 
and  in  a  few  days  began  to  prepare  to  visit 
Princeton.  I  ought  here  to  remark,  that  I  was 
the  oldest  of  five  children,  and  it  might  reason- 
ably have  been  expected  that  I  would  have 
remjiined  at  home  to  take  charge  of  the  family  ; 
but  my  dear  mother  was  willing  to  submit  to  all 
the  toil  and  care  of  supporting  the  family,  and 
of  providing  for  me  while  pursuing  my  studies 
in  the  college. 


JOURNEY   TO   PEESrCETON.  25 


CHAPTER  II. 

Journey  to  Princeton — Xo  steamboats  or  railroads — The  first 
steamboat — Enters  college — The  faculty — The  want  of 
class-books — His  class-mates — College  life — The  state  of 
religion  in  the  college — Journey  homo  in  vacation — The 
death  of  General  Washington — Anxiety  after  commence- 
ment— Thinks  of  the  gospel  ministry — Consults  the  Eev.  A. 
King — Admitted  to  the  communion  of  tlie  church — Deter- 
mines to  prepare  for  the  ministrj- — Returns  to  Princeton, 
to  study  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Smith — The  burning  of 
the  college — Students  scattered. 

In  the  latter  part  of  October,  1799,  before  day- 
light, I  left  my  mother's  house,  about  twenty 
miles  west  of  Kewburgh,  and  I  did  not  reach 
Princeton  until  the  next  Saturday  week,  pro- 
gressing as  fast  as  the  public  conveyances 
would  carry  us.  Tlie  easiest  and  most  expe- 
ditious way  was  on  board  of  a  sloop,  and  two 
days  and  two  nights  in  reaching  Kew  Tork 
was  considered  a  good  passage  ;  and  four  or 
five  days,  and  even  more,  as  in  my  case,  was 


26  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

not  uncommon.     From  New  York  to  Princeton 
the  journey  by  stage  was  eqnall}^  tedious. 

In  the  fall  of  1807  the  first  steamboat  came 
up  the  river — the  wheels  unprotected,  and 
exposed  to  public  view.  A  form  on  cross 
beams,  like  that  of  a  saw-mill,  moving  up  and 
down,  and  the  boat  creeping  along  at  the  rate 
of  three  or  four  miles  an  hour.  A  real  curio- 
sity !  the  wonder  of  the  country !  People 
would  come  twenty  or  thirty  miles,  to  see  the 
boat  on  the  day  she  was  to  make  her  trip. 
Then  came  an  imoroved  boat,  such  as  would 
accommodate  passengers,  but  it  was  a  very 
different  thing  from  the  floating  palaces  in 
which  we  may  now  go  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  or 
twenty  miles  an  hour,  with  lodging  and  fare 
equal  to  the  best  city  hotels.  There  was  no 
landing  at  the  dock ;  the  boat  lay  in  the  river, 
and  we  had  to  be  rowed  out  in  a  small  boat. 
I  have  been  dragged  in  one  of  these  row-boats 
until  we  were  opposite  New  Windsor,  in  a  dark 
night,  before  I  ascended  the  steamer,  and  then 
could  find  no  convenient  place  to  sit,  or  stand, 
or  lie ;  perhaps  it  was  raining ;  nothing  to  eat, 


ENTERS   COLLEGE.  2T 

and  I  was  glad  to  be  let  off  at  l^Tew  York,  after 
paying  three  and  a  lialf  dollars  for  the  passage. 
Railroads  now  extend  in  all  directions.  And 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson  you  may  go 
under  mountains,  through  water,  along  the 
crooked  margin  of  the  river,  with  a  rapidity 
outstripping  the  speed  of  the  racehorse,  moved 
by  the  old  black  horse  that  never  tires.  A  trip 
to  Princeton  may  now  be  made  in  half  the 
number  of  hours  that  I  was  days  on  the  way  in 
my  first  visit,  at  less  than  half  the  expense ! 

After  arriving  at  Princeton  I  was  admitted  to 
the  Junior  Class.  The  Faculty  consisted  of  the 
Kev.  Dr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  Dr.  John 
McLean — father  of  the  Pev.  Dr.  John  Maclean — 
Henry  Kollock  and  Frederic  Beasley.  The 
whole  number  of  students  was  not  more  than 
seventy -five  or  eighty,  and  even  all  these  were 
not  in  full  standing.  It  was  at  that  time  the  cus- 
tom to  permit  students  not  acquainted  with  Latin 
or  Greek,  especially  Greek,  to  attend  to  English 
and  scientific  studies  with  the  regular  students, 
and  at  the  end  of  their  course  to  give  them  a 
certificate,  and  not  a  regular  diploma,  specifying 


28  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

the  studies  to  whicli  they  had  attended.  Hence 
the  classes  at  that  period  in  the  triennial  cata- 
logue are  small,  not  containing  more  than  two- 
thirds,  and  in  some  cases  one  half  of  those  in 
actual  attendance.  Text  books  at  that  time  were 
not  so  easily  obtained  as  they  are  now.  Dr. 
;  Smith's  lectures  on  Moral  Philosophy,  which 
were  voluminous,  had  to  be  copied ;  and  also  a 
syllabus  of  Dr.  Maclean's  Lectures  on  Chemistrj^ 
Neither  my  room-mate  nor  myself  could  obtain 
in  New  York  or  Philadelphia  a  copy  of  Simp- 
son's Algebra,  the  text  book  used.  "We  adopted 
the  plan  of  borrowing  a  book  the  day  before 
that  study  was  required,  and  when  the  day  for 
algebra  came,  we  were  prepared.  The  conse- 
quence was  that  we  were  oifered  books  by  the 
lazy  part  of  the  class,  who,  in  return  for  the  use 
of  their  books,  received  from  us  instruction 
without  the  labor  of  study.  Teaching  others, 
made  us  so  familiar  with  the  subject,  that  at  the 
close  of  the  term,  or  year,  we  had  the  honor  of 
being  named  among  the  best  scholars  in  the 
class,  so  far  as  algebra  was  concerned. 

Among  my  class-mates  were  several  indivi- 


COLLEGE   LIFE.  29 

duals  who  became  distinguished  and  useful  men 
in  after  life,  such  as  Nicholas  Biddle  of  Philadel- 
phia, Dr.  John  E.  Cook  of  Yirginia,  since  Pro- 
fessor of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine  in 
the  University  of  Transylvania,  Ky.  ;  the  Kev. 
Dr.  John  McDowell,  now  of  Philadelphia, 
Henry  E.  "Watkins,  Edward  D.  Watts,  and  John 
G.  Gamble  of  Yirginia. 

I  became  a  member  of  the  American  Whig 
Society  in  the  College,  and  I  felt  an  interest  and 
zeal  in  its  honor  and  prosperity,  which  the  lapse 
of  half  a  century  has  not  extinguislied. 

Having  been  accustomed  all  my  previous  life 
to  mingle  freely  with  the  society  of  male  and 
female,  and  to  enjoy  the  sociality  of  the  domestic 
circle,  I  found  it  rather  tough,  especially  during 
the  first  term  of  nearly  six  months,  to  be  excluded 
from  those  I  loved,  and  to  confine  my  attention 
to  angles  and  triangles,  and  algebraic  surds  and 
equations.  We  had  monthly  holidays,  and  I 
found  some  relief  from  the  monotony  of  college 
life,  in  visiting  on  these  occasions  the  family  of 
Andrew  McDowell,  a  relative  of  my  room-mate, 
who  resided  about  nine  miles  from  the  college. 


30  ArTOBIOGKAPHY. 

Tlie  sociability  of  that  agreeable  and  hospitable 
family  restored  in  some  measure  the  elasticity  of 
my  spirits,  and  caused  me  to  anticipate  the  plea- 
sure I  should  enjoy  on  returning  in  the  approach- 
ing yacation  to  the  social  circle  of  my  early 
days. 

The  state  of  religion  was  lamentably  low  in  the 
college.  Among  the  students  there  were  only 
three  or  four  who  made  any  pretensions  to  piety. 
The  only  means  of  grace  enjoyed  the  first  session 
was  morning  and  eyening  prayers  in  the  chapel, 
a  sermon  in  the  forenoon  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
prayer  meeting  in  the  eyening  of  the  same  day, 
at  which  none  except  the  tutors  and  three  or 
four  students  attended.  I  usually  attended,  but 
took  no  active  part  in  conducting  the  services, 
which  consisted  in  prayer  and  reading  a  sermon, 
for  none  who  attended  were  skilled  in  music  or 
were  able  to  sing.  The  following  summer  term 
or  session  of  the  college,  Mr.  H.  Kollock,  who 
still  remained  a  tutor,  was  licensed  to  preach, 
and  he  usually  occupied  the  pulpit  in  the  village 
church  on  the  Sabbath  afternoons.  So  eloquent 
and  popular  was  he,  that  nearly  all  the  students 


JOUKNEY   HOME   IN    VACATION.  31 

voluntarily  attended,  and  many  persons  from 
neiii'bborin":  consTreirations  came,  and  the  house 
was  crowded  with  attentive  hearers. 

At  the  close  of  my  first  college  term,  in  com- 
pany with  three  other  students,  I  hastened  to  the 
jjublic-house  to  wait  the  arrival  of  the  mail  stage 
for  New  York.  When  it  arrived,  there  were  in 
it  four  sailors,  just  landed  from  a  distant  voyage. 
The  rule  was  that  not  more  than  six  passengers 
could  have  a  seat  within  the  stage  unless  with 
the  consent  of  those  already  in.  Two  of  the 
students  immediately  rushed  into  the  stage.  I 
was  one  of  two  without  a  seat.  "We  begged  to  be 
admitted  ;  the  driver  said  "  no  !"  except  with 
the  unanimous  consent  of  those  occupying  the 
seats.  At  last  Jack  cried  out  to  me,  "  come 
in,  my  hammock  will  hold  us  both."  The  other 
student  took  a  seat  with  the  coachman  on  the 
box,  and  we  were  soon  on  our  way.  The  roads 
were  in  a  sad  state.  The  stage  was  often  so 
sunk  in  the  mud,  that  four  horses  could  not 
extricate  it,  and  we  were  under  the  necessity,  as 
Jack  said,  of  going  "  on  shore."  "  The  craft  had 
grounded."    It  appeared  to  me  that  every  sea 


32  AUTOBIOGRAPHT. 

term  used  Ly  every  sailor  tlirougliont  the  length 
and  breadth  of  the  hind  and  ocean  was  in  con- 
stant use.  One  of  the  sailors  lost  his  hat  over- 
hoard,  and  when  we  came  to  Newark,  he  landed, 
and  pounded  at  the  door  of  a  hatter,  until  he 
was  supplied. 

On  another  occasion,  returning  home,  we  took 
sloop  at  Kew  Brunswick,  and  when  we  reached 
Amboy,  the  tide  and  wind  were  against  us,  and 
it  was  proposed  to  have  a  supper  of  oysters. 
And  although  I  had  often  tried,  I  had  heretofore 
failed  to  eat  oysters  ;  but  as  my  companions 
were  going  to  have  an  o^^ster  supper,  I  concluded 
to  go  with  them.  I  ordered  what  I  thought  to 
be  sufficient  for  myself  to  be  shucked  and  fried. 
These  were  brought  forward  first,  and  in  a 
minute  or  two  they  were  all  gone.  Then  came 
the  roasted  ;  and  as  I  saw  my  shipmates  eating 
heartily,  I  thought  it  was  too  bad  to  pay  fifty 
cents  for  a  single  cup  of  coff'ee  :  "  I'll  try  and  eat 
two  or  three  little  ones."  I  did  so  ;  and  I  con- 
tinued until  I  had  as  large  a  pile  of  shells  as  any 
one  at  the  table.  Thus  commenced  my  fondness  for 
oysters,  and  it  has  continued  to  the  present  time. 


DEATH    OF    WASIIIKGTOX.  33 

Shortly  after  I  entered  college,    the   public 
learned  the  melancholy  fact,  that  on  the  14tli 
day  of  December,  1799,   General  Washington 
died,    at   his   residence   on   the   banks   of    the 
Potomac.    At  the  request  of  citizens  of  Trenton, 
Dr.  Smith,  president  of  the  college,  consented 
to  deliver,  on  the  lith  of  January,  1800,  in  the 
city  of  Trenton,  an  oration,  commemorative  of 
the  virtues  and  services  of  that  great  and  good 
man.     On  the  day  appointed  a  large  number  of 
the  students,  the  greater  j^art  on  foot,  repaired 
to  Trenton.     So  great  was  the  throng,  that  the 
students  and  many  others  had  to  stand  on  their 
feet.     After  the  eulogy,  which  Dr.  Smith  deli- 
vered in  his  most  elegant  and  impressive  man- 
ner, the   military  proceeded    to   inter  a  coffin, 
according  to   the    honors    of   war ;    Governor 
Howell,  who  had  been  with  Washington  in  the 
battle  of  Monmouth,  following   the   hearse  as 
chief  mourner.      When   the   ceremonies   were 
closed,  we  made  our  way  back  to  the  college. 
To  walk  ten  miles  going  and  ten  miles  return- 
ing, and  to  stand  on  our  feet  nearly  three  hours, 
was  not  a  small   day's  labor.    It  will  be  be- 
3 


84  AUTOBIOGKArUY. 

lieved,  that  when  we  reached  the  college  we 
were  excessively  fatigued  and  hnngry,  for  we 
had  no  opportunity  to  get  anything  to  eat 
during  the  day. 

I  have  frequently  seated  myself  under  the  tree, 
and,  after  it  was  cut  down,  on  the  stump,  where 
General  Mercer  was  reported  to  lie  mortally 
wounded,  at  the  battle  of  Princeton.  I  have 
also  gazed,  with  wet  eyes,  at  the  painting  sus- 
pended in  the  college  chapel,  which  represents 
a  surgeon  bending  over  Mercer  expiring,  and 
"Washington,  full  size,  standing  near,  with 
drawn  sword. 

When  I  told  my  father  that  I  wished  to  have 
an  education,  I  had  no  particulai*  occupation  or 
profession  in  view  ;  but  when  I  drew  near  to 
the  close  of  my  college  course  I  became  ex- 
tremely anxious.  I  could  not  endure  the  idea 
of  law  or  medicine.  I  felt  that  I  had  not  the 
piety  which  I  deemed  indispensable  in  a  mi- 
nister of  the  gospel.  From  the  time  I  had 
heard  the  two  little  boys  talk  about  God  seeing 
them  in  the  dark,  and  covered  with  a  blanket,  I 
had  serious  reflections ;    but  the  gayeties  and 


RETURNS    TO    PEIXCETON.  60 

follies  of  the  ^rorld  soon  caused  them  to  pass 
away.  As  tlie  time  of  commencement  drew 
near  my  serious  thoughts  became  more  deep 
and  lasting.  On  my  way  home  I  felt  mise- 
rable, as  the  time  had  now  come  when  I  mnst 
decide  as  to  my  future  course.  "When  I  thought 
of  anything  but  the  ministry  I  was  wretched. 
When  I  thought  of  that  a  calm  state  of  mind 
ensued.  The  subject  was  constantly  before  my 
mind,  either  in  prayer  or  meditation.  And  the 
jnore  I  thought  of  the  gospel  ministry  the  more 
my  thoughts  were  drawn  towards  it,  and  I  hope 
at  last  with  a  fixed  purpose  to  direct  my  studies 
towards  a  work  in  which  I  might  glorify  God 
and  benefit  my  fellow  men.  I  asked  the  ad- 
vice of  the  Rev.  Andrew  King.  And,  after 
several  interviews,  I  was  admitted  a  member  of 
the  church  of  Goodwill,  in  the  fall  of  1801,  a 
few  weeks  after  I  had  received  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Arts. 

My  mind  became  settled,  and  I  returned  to 
Princeton  to  study  divinity,  under  Dr.  Smith. 
He  prescribed  a  course  of  study  ;  but  I  do  not 
recollect   that  I   ever  recited   to   him  on  any 


3b  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

brancli  of  study.  On  the  Gtli  of  March  follow- 
ing (1S02)  the  college  building  was  burned,  the 
library  destroyed,  and  the  theological  students 
scattered. 


KESOLYES   TO   CKOSS   THE   MOUNTAINS.  37 


CHAPTER  III. 

Determines  to  cross  the  mountains,  and  to  study  under  the 
Rev.  Dr.  McMillan — Travels  on  horseback — Pennsylvania 
"waggons — Mountain  scenerj' — Goitre,  and  causes  thereof-— 
The  country  west  of  the  mountains — The  houses — Arrives 
at  Canonsburg — Meets  Dr.  McMillan — His  personal  appear- 
ance— His  preaching — Joins  the  theological  class — Attends 
an  ordination,  in  company  with  Dr.  McMillan — Passes 
through  Pittsburg — The  course  of  stud}- — An  account  of  a 
remarkable  revival  of  religion,  attended  with  bodily  affec- 
tions. 

It  then  became  a  serious  inquiry,  what  I  should 
do.  I  had  read  and  heard  much  of  revivals  of 
religion,  but  I  had  never  witnessed  one.  As 
Dr.  McMilhin,  in  the  western  part  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, w^as  spoken  of  as  a  minister  whose  labors 
had  been  blessed  with  several  revivals,  and  as 
lie  was  also  an  instructor  in  theology,  I  resolved 
to  cross  the  mountains,  and  to  prosecute  my 
studies  under  his  direction.  I  returned  to  my 
mother's  house,  in  order  to  prepare  to  go  to  the 


38  AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 

waters  of  the  Ohio.  In  April,  1802,  I  set  out 
on  my  journey.  My  wardrobe  was  the  saddle- 
bags on  which  I  rode.  My  horse  was  not  the 
finest  in  appearance,  but  sufficiently  able  to 
carry  me  over  the  Alleghany  mountains.  I 
took  Princeton  on  my  way,  and  having  taken 
leave  of  my  friends,  I  passed  through  Phila- 
delphia, Lancaster,  Columbia,  and  Yorktown, 
and  rested  on  the  Sabbath  at  Chambersburg. 
On  Monday  I  proceeded  on  ni}^  journey,  and 
passed  through  McConnell's  Town,  Bedford, 
and  Somerset,  crossing  mountains  and  some 
small  hills,  one  of  which  (Laurel  hill)  was  only 
nine  miles  from  foot  to  foot.  On  my  journey, 
the  large  Pennsylvania  waggons  which  I  every 
day  saw  arrested  my  attention.  They  were  of 
great  size,  and  drawn  by  from  four  to  eight 
horses,  much  larger  than  any  I  had  ever  seen. 
Sometimes  they  were  harnessed  two  and  two 
abreast,  sometimes  they  were  strung  along 
single,  one  after  the  other.  The  leader  walked 
majestically,  with  head  reined  up,  as  if  he  had 
nothing  to  do  except  to  guide  the  procession. 
The  shaft  horse  was  content  with  holding  back 


MOUNTAIN  SCENEEY.  39 

wlien  going  down  hill,  and  then  all  his  energies 
were  called  into  action.  The  greater  part  of 
the  commerce  of  western  Pennsylvania,  western 
Virginia,  Ohio,  and  Kentucky,  was  carried  on 
by  means  of  these  large  waggons.  They  moved 
at  the  average  rate  of  twelve  miles  each  day, 
so  that  they  were  about  three  weeks  making  a 
trip  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh.  The 
drivers  were  generally  of  the  roughest  class ; 
their  home  was  on  the  road  summer  and  winter. 
They  knew  no  Sabbath,  lodging  in  their  wag- 
gons in  summer,  and  on  the  bar-room  floor  in 
winter.  They  were  civil,  and  even  obliging,  to 
other  travellers,  if  not  molested,  but  showed 
themselves  lords  of  the  road  if  their  rights  were 
infringed.  "VVoe  be  to  the  man  in  a  light  car-.  ^ 
riage  who  ordered  them  to  give  the  road  in  a 
narrow  pass  in  the  mountains  ! 

As  I  passed  the  mountains,  the  wildness  and 
grandeur,  and  sometimes  the  beaut}^,  of  the 
scenery  arrested  my  attention.  Especially  at 
the  rising  and  setting  of  the  sun,  the  prospect 
was  sublime  and  glorious.  The  brilliant  rays 
of  the  morning  and  evening  sun,  reflected  from 


40  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

immense  rocks  on  the  summits  of  the  moun- 
tains, the  dark  shades  of  the  pines  where  his 
beams  had  not  reached,  and  the  fogs  resting  on 
the  valleys,  giving  them  the  appearance  of 
lakes  and  rivers,  with  rocks  and  leafless  trees 
here  and  there  projecting,  was  a  panorama 
which  filled  my  soul  with  wonder  and  amaze- 
ment, and  caused  me  to  exclaim,  "  Great  and 
marvellous  are  thy  works.  Lord  God  Almighty, 
in  wisdom  tliou  hast  made  them  all !" 

The  prospect,  in  looking  back  from  the  sum- 
mit of  the  first  mountain  west  of  Chambersburg, 
presenting  to  view  the  great  fertile  valley  which 
extends  through  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and 
Virginia,  was  beautiful  and  enchanting.  Nor 
was  that  from  the  west  side  of  the  same  moun- 
tain, which  overlooks  the  extensive  plain  on 
which  McConnell's  Town  is  situated,  less  so. 
The  wild  and  precipitous  descent  to  the  Juniata, 
and  the  immense  piles  of  rock,  on  which  a  shrub 
can  scarcely  find  a  foothold,  near  Bedford,  are 
still,  after  a  lapse  of  half  a  century,  vividly  before 
my  mind. 

On  the  summit  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  I 


GOITEE.  41 

lodged  at  the  sign  of  the  AVhitehorse,  and  I  was 
kept  awake  part  of  the  night  lest  I  should  be 
robbed  of  what  little  cash  I  had  by  a  fellow  who 
slept  in  the  same  room  with  me.  Perhaps  my 
fears  were  groundless.  Rongh-looking  men  are 
not  always  rogues,  nor  are  smooth-looking  men 
always  honest.  At  the  foot  of  the  Laurel  Hill, 
where  I  had  stopped  to  feed  my  horse,  a  woman, 
with  an  nncommonl}'  long  neck,  came  into  the 
room  in  which  I  was,  and  she  had  a  frightfully 
large  tumor  in  front  of  her  throat ;  and  she 
breathed  with  so  much  difficulty  that  I  feared 
she  would  fall  down  suffocated.  This  was  the 
Urst  case  I  had  ever  seen  of  the  goitre.  But  I 
found  that  disease  was  very  common  west  of  the 
mountains.  In  Switzerland  it  is  accounted  for, 
from  the  water  used  for  drink  being  melted  snow. 
In  western  Pennsylvania,  some  suppose  the 
cause  to  be  the  use  of  water  filtering  throuirh 
the  strata  of  bituminous  coal  that  underlies  the 
face  of  the  country.  Other  causes  are  assigned, 
such  as  the  decomposition  of  vegetable  matter 
in  connexion  with  the  coal  formation  in  the  coun- 
h'j.    Others,  again,  think  it  arises  from  the  want 


42  AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 

of  salted  marine-fish,  and  remark  that  this  ma- 
lady is  usually  found  in  regions  remote  from  the 
seaboard  ;  and  that  fish-skins  applied  to  the 
throat,  externally,  is  one  of  the  best  remedies  ; 
and  the  theory  is  favored  b}^  the  fact  that  this 
disease  is  much  less  frequent  since  the  means  of 
conveyance  have  so  improved,  that  salted  fish 
are  carried  beyond  the  mountains. 

The  fiice  of  the  country  west  of  the  mountains 
is  very  uneven  ;  the  hills  do  not  run  in  parallel 
ranges,  but,  like  a  seal-skin,  the  risings  and 
depressions  are  without  any  order.  The  land  is 
fertile,  with  very  few  stones  or  rocks  visible  on 
the  surface.  Wheat,  rye,  and  grass  grow  luxu- 
riantly on  the  top  and  sides  of  hills,  so  steep, 
that  the  plough  is  used  with  difficulty.  The 
whole  country  seems  to  be  bedded  with  bitumi- 
nous coal.  So  plenty  was  that  article,  that  we 
had  it  laid  at  our  door,  ready  for  use,  for  two 
and  a  half  cents  a  bushel. 

The  houses  in  the  mountains  built  for  the 
accommodation  of  travellers,  and,  indeed,  many 
on  farms  and  in  villages  west  of  the  mountains, 
were  constructed  of  logs,  notched  together  at  the 


MEETS  DK.  m'mILLAN.  43 

corners,   and   the   chinks   between  filled  with 
billets  of  wood,  and  mortar  made  of  clay. 

I  arrived,  about  the  last  of  May,  at  Canons- 
burg,  situated  twenty  miles  south  of  Pittsburg, 
and  seven  miles  north  of  Wasliington,  the  capi- 
tal of  the  county  of  the  same  name.  Jefferson 
College,  located  there,  was  then  in  its  infancy, 
with  John  Watson,  whose  history  is  full  of  inte- 
rest, at  its  head.  As  I  drew  near  to  the  village, 
I  met  a  large  country-looking  man  with  a  little 
stoop  in  his  broad  shoulders,  a  long  nose  and  long 
neck,  and  head  projecting  forward  more  than 
usual,  and  in  his  hand  he  had  an  uncommonly 
large  walking-stick.  From  the  description  I 
had  heard  of  him,  I  concluded  it  was  the  Apostle 
of  the  "West ;  but  I  could  not  command  confi- 
dence enough  to  speak  to  him.  The  next  day, 
when  he  rose  in  the  pulpit  to  commence  public 
worship,  I  perceived  that  my  conjectures  were 
well  founded.  It  was  the  veritable  John  McMil- 
lan. I  heard  him  preach  with  no  little  atten- 
tion ;  and  the  opinion  I  then,  and  afterwards, 
formed,  I  believe  to  be  correct,  that  he  analysed 
and  brought  to  light  the  secret  workings  of  the 


44  ATTTOBIOGEAPHY. 

deceitful  bnman  heart,  beyond  any  man  I  ever 
heard  preach.  His  preaching  was  with  power, 
and  he  had  many  souls  as  seals  of  his  ministry, 
and  crowns  of  rejoicing  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.  Mr.  Andrew  Thompson,  who  had  been 
my  class-mate  from  tlie  commencement  of  my 
classical  studies  until  we  finished  our  college 
course,  on  being  informed  of  my  arrival,  was 
soon  with  me,  and  conducted  me  to  the  house  of 
Mrs.  Whiteside,  with  whom  I  boarded  about 
a  year.  Mr.  Thompson  liad  gone  to  Canons- 
burg  six  months  before  me — having  set  out  for 
the  West  soon  after  commencement — I  was  soon 
introduced  to  Father  McMillan  and  his  family. 

The  first  Sabbath  I  attended  public  worship  I 
was  forcibly  struck  with  the  multitude  of  voices 
engaged  in  singing.  If  a  stranger  did  not  sing, 
he  was  noticed  and  spoken  of  as  the  man  who 
did  not  sing.  And  although  the  music  was  not 
of  the  most  correct  and  scientific  kind,  it  was 
hearty,  impressive,  and  devout,  and  had  a  most 
thrilling  and  solemn  eftect,  especially  when  the 
Worship  was  ia  tlu  open  air,  under  the  shade  of 
the  native  trees,  as  was  usually  the  case  in  the 


ATTENDS    AN    OEDINATION.  45 

summer  season.  I  could  not  but  feel  that  God 
was  among  the  people  with  his  gracious  pre- 
sence. I  took  my  place  in  the  theological  class, 
and,  as  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,  I  was  the 
twenty-seventh  person  who  had  studied  theology 
under  Dr.  McMillan.  lie  had  a  manuscript 
system  of  questions  and  answers,  of  which  we 
could  have  a  coj^y  if  we  would  take  the  labor  of 
transcribing.  Tiie  sj^stem  was  plain  and  didac- 
tic rather  than  polemic.  It  was  modelled  after 
the  plan  of  the  old  Puritan  divines,  particularly 
Flavel  and  Boston,  and  those  of  a  kindred  cha- 
racter and  spirit.  Very  little  attention  was  paid 
to  the  languages  in  which  the  sacred  Scrijjturcs 
were  originally  written,  or  to  church  history 
after  the  coming  of  Christ ;  Biblical  liistory,  the 
sacraments,  and  didactic  theology,  were  the 
principal  studies.  Tliere  were  seven  or  eight  in 
the  class,  who  in  turn  read  or  delivered  dis- 
courses. To  tell  the  truth,  there  was  very  little 
study,  especially  after  the  month  of  September. 
About  four  w'eeks  after  I  commenced  study,  I 
went  with  Dr.  McMillan  to  attend  an  ordina- 
tion, west  of  the  Alleghany  river,  above  Pitts- 


46  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

burg.  When  we  reached  the  top  of  the  im- 
mense hill  overlooking  Pittsburg,  and  south  of 
the  Monongahela,  I  was  amazed  at  the  sight  of 
the  beautiful  plain  lying  far  below  us,  on  which 
Pittsburg  is  situated.  It  was  not  then,  as  now, 
covered  with  dwelling-houses,  and  factories  of 
various  kinds,  and  overshadowed  with  a  dense 
cloud  of  smoke,  sent  from  the  coal  used  to  impel 
the  machinery.  We  could  see  the  clear  blue 
water  of  the  Alleghany  coming  from  the  north- 
east, and  the  turbid  waters  of  the  Monongahela 
coming  from  the  south,  meeting  each  other  at 
the  point  where  once  stood  Fort  Duquesne, 
forming  the  beautiful  Ohio,  flowing  towards  the 
south-west  between  the  surrounding  hills.  Little 
did  I  think,  when  enjoying  the  delightful  pros- 
pect, that  I  was  standing  on  an  immense  strata 
of  bituminous  coal  ;  and  perhaps  there  were 
miners  at  that  moment  beneath  my  feet,  using 
the  pick  and  shovel. 

AYe  lodged  in  Pittsburg,  and  the  following  day 
crossed  the  Alleghany  about  four  miles  above, 
and  then  went  seven  or  eight  miles  into  the 
woods,  attended  the  ordination  and  returned  to 


THE  lord's  suppek.  47 

Pittsburg.  Bj  appointment  previously  made, 
Dr.  McMillan  preaclied  in  the  evening  one  of  his 
thundering  sermons,  calculated  to  alarm  impeni- 
tent sinners.  A  very  large  part  of  our  time  as 
students  was  spent  in  complying  with  a  practice 
which  prevailed  in  that  part  of  the  country. 
The  Lord's  Supper  was  administered  only  twice 
a  year  in  each  congregation  ;  but  the  custom  was 
for  three  or  four  churches  to  come  together  on 
these  occasions.  Thursday  was  a  fast  da}' — in 
some  places  there  was  preaching  on  Friday — on 
Saturday  there  were  two  public  services,  and 
prayer  meetings  in  the  evening.  On  the  Sab- 
bath the  services  were  often  continued  from  ten 
o'clock  in  the  morning  until  near  sunset,  and 
then  prayer  meetings  at  private  houses  in  the 
evening.  On  Monday  there  was  preaching  in 
the  morning,  and  sometimes  in  the  afternoon. 
Theological  students  were  ex])ected  to  attend 
these  sacramental  occasions,  far  and  near.  So 
great  was  the  concourse,  that  sometimes  the  men 
had  to  lodge  in  a  barn  or  hay-mow.  I  have 
often  attended  a  hay-mow  prayer  meeting  in  the 
dark,    A  hymn  would  be  repeated  from  memory 


48  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

{ind  snng,  a  prayer  ofFored,  and  singing  and  prayer 
would  be  repeated  sevci-al  times,  or  religious 
conversation  or  exhortation  would  take  place.  I 
have  attended  several  sacramental  seasons  at  the 
distance  of  seven,  fifteen,  and  one  twenty-seven 
miles,  and  generally  on  foot.  At  this  time  I  can 
call  to  mind  the  impressive  and  solemn  exercises 
of  mind  which  I  had  on  these  occasions.  Return- 
ing from  one  of  these  blessed  seasons,  I  distinctly 
remember  retiring  into  the  woods,  and  by  the 
side  of  a  fallen  tree,  I  had  such  a  view  of  ray  sin- 
fulness, especially  the  depravity  of  my  heart,  as 
exceeded  anything  I  had  ever  experienced  before, 
and  which  caused  the  way  of  salvation  through 
the  atonement  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be 
precious,  and  the  only  wa}^  in  which  I  desired 
salvation.  At  the  remembrance  thereof,  I  can 
use  the  language  of  Job,  and  say  :  "  oh,  that  it 
were  with  me  as  in  days  that  are  past." 

In  October,  1802,  the  Synod  of  the  same  name 
met  in  Pittsburg.  My  room-mate,  who  had 
been  there,  returned  on  Friday  evening,  and 
iiave  an  account  of  a  revival  of  reliirion  which 
had  commenced  in  tlie  conixreiiations  of  the  Rev. 


KEMAKKABLE   EEVIVAL.  49 

EUsha  McCurdy.  The  subjects  in  the  beginning 
of  the  awakening  were  generally  exercised  with 
great  bodily  agitations.  There  was  no  one 
characteristic  mark  of  this  bodily  exercise. 
Sometimes  it  would  so  affect  the  person,  that  a 
stranger,  ignorant  of  the  cause,  would  be  ready 
to  conclude  that  the  person  affected,  had  epi- 
lepsy, or  was  dj'ing.  Sometimes  convulsions 
Avere  so  violent  that  it  would  require  two  or 
three  persons  not  affected,  to  jjrevent  injur3\ 
Sometimes  a  cramp  would  pervade  the  whole 
body,  and  an  attempt  to  part  the  lingers  would 
require  considerable  effort,  and  when  the  force 
applied  was  suddenly  suspended,  the  fingers 
would  return  to  their  original  position,  like  a 
bent  bow,  when  relieved  from  the  force  which 
drew  it  aside  from  its  natural  position.  Some 
would  remain  for  hours  in  an  apparent  state  of 
insensibilit}'',  and  yet,  when  relieved,  the}^  could 
mention  the  prayers  that  had  been  made,  the 
hymns  that  had  been  sung,  or  the  sermon  that 
had  been  delivered,  while  they  were  in  this 
apparent  stupor.  Sometimes  the  same  person 
would  fall  again  and  again  for  several  months, 
others  would  have  only  a  single  fall. 


50  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

In  one  instance,  a  minister  fell  in  his  pulpit, 
and  in  another,  an  elder,  while  distributing  the 
elements  on  a  sacramental  occasion.  Sometimes 
the  stoutest  and  hardiest  men  would  be  seized, 
while  the  weak  and  feeble  of  their  own  families 
would  be  exempt.  Sometimes  those  affected, 
would  say,  after  they  recovered,  that  they  were 
not  conscious  of  any  mental  excitement  at  the 
time  they  became  powerless.  The  general 
declaration  was,  that  their  minds  were  agitated 
in  view  of  their  own  guilt,  or  by  sympathy  with 
those  around  them.  Sometimes  a  person  would 
be  taken  when  entirely  alone  and  without  being 
able  to  assign  any  cause.  The  greater  part, 
however,  became  affected  under  religious  feel- 
ing, when  alone,  or  in  their  family,  or  in  prayer 
meeting,  or  in  the  house  of  God.  Sometimes  the 
appearance  would  indicate  to  a  spectator,  that 
bodily  aftection  was  about  to  take  place.  Some- 
times it  would  occur  suddenly,  when  the  counte- 
nance appeared  calm  and  unmoved.  Sometimes 
it  was  evident  that  sympathy  was  the  exciting 
cause.  A  word  or  two  would  be  followed  by 
bodily  affection  in  a  single  instance,  and  then 
another  and  another,  until  standing  in  a  com- 


EEMAKKABLE    REVIVAL.    .  51 

mou  sized  room,  I  could  touch  with  my  cane  at 
least  one  dozen  prostrate  on  the  floor  at  the  same 
time — and  perhaps  no  two  of  them  affected  in 
the  same  way — some  praying,  some  silent,  and 
others  crying  out  in  tones  approaching  shrieking. 
Some  would  remain  a  shorter  and  some  a  longer 
time  in  this  state. 

Sometimes  those  who  had  been  frequently 
seized  with  bodily  convulsions,  would  free  them- 
selves from  mental  distress,  and  their  bodily  affec- 
tions would  leave  them,  and  they  would  become 
worse  than  they  had  ever  been — scoffers  at  reli- 
gion— ridiculers  of  those,  who  like  themselves 
had  been  fools  enough  to  suffer  themselves  to  be 
wrought  on  in  this  ridiculous  way.  Many  were 
bodily  affected  who  never  obtained  a  hope  of  an 
interest  in  Christ ;  and  many,  during  this  won- 
derful excitement,  obtained  a  good  hope  who 
never  were  bodily  affected.  The  same  kind  of 
bodily  agitation  extended  through  all  the  con- 
gregations belonging  to  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio, 
and  as  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,  thirteen  or  four- 
teen hundred  were  added  to  the  communion  of 
the   churches.     Many   of  the   subjects  of  this 


52  AUTOBIOGRArHY. 

extraordinary  religions  excitement  have  become 
faithfal  and  nsefnl  preachers  of  the  gospel. 
Though  there  were  several  things  connected  with 
that  revival  which  I  did  not  then,  nor  do  I  now 
understand,  nor  do  I  think  essential  to  true  reli- 
gion, I  have  no  more  doubt  that  it  was  a 
genuine  revival  than  I  have  that  lam  now  writing 
Avith  a  pen  made  of  a  goose-quill.  I  verily 
believe  that  the  proportion  of  those  bodily 
affected,  and  who  gave  evidence  of  a  change  of 
heart,  will  not  suffer  in  comparison  with  those 
only  mentally  affected  in  ordinary  revivals  of 
religion.  God,  for  wise  purposes,  saw  fit  to  per- 
mit this  bodily  affection  (in  which  there  was  no 
piety)  to  accompany  the  saving  influences  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Ministers  were  very  careful  in 
their  preaching  to  distinguish  between  what 
were,  and  what  were  not,  the  gracious  opera- 
tions of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

One  thing  which  then  caused  me  much 
thought,  and  which  was  the  subject  of  conversa- 
tion with  many  of  us,  was  the  apparent  cold- 
ness of  ministers  and  good  old  elders,  who  had 
been  praying  for  years  for  this  blessed  outpour- 


REMARKABLE    EEVIVAL.  63 

iiig  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  I  well  recollect  that 
these  were  our  thoughts  respectiug  Drs.  McMil- 
lan and  Ealston,  and  Mr.  Marquis  and  others, 
whose  praise  is  in  all  the  churches.  Had  not 
these  men  been  cautious,  and  rather  checked 
than  added  fuel  to  the  heat  of  the  da}'-,  there 
would  have  been  a  flame  that  would  have 
scorched,  if  not  burned  up  the  church  in  that 
region.  From  President  Edwards's  narrative, 
and  other  sources,  we  learn  that  there  were  simi- 
lar bodily  affections  in  New  England,  Cambus- 
lang  in  Scotland,  and  elsewhere,  a  hundred  years 
ago.  Ministers  in  Western  Pensylvannia  were 
aware  of  these  facts,  and  were  not  surprised  at 
these  extraordinary  manifestations,  and  they  did 
not  abstain  in  public  and  in  private,  from  teach- 
ing that  there  was  no  genuine  piety  in  bodily 
exercises. 

I  never  was  bodily  affected  during  the  whole 
of  the  revivals,  although  I  was  actively  engaged 
in  conducting  religious  worship  in  several  con- 
gregations. It  was  agreed  to  have  a  general 
meeting,  to  be  continued  several  days,  including 
the  Sabbath  following.     I  was  present.     From 


-V 


54  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

twelve  to  fifteen  ministers  attended,  and  the 
number  of  commnnicants  on  the  Lord's  Day  was 
more  than  one  thousand — a  large  number,  con- 
sidering the  sparseness  of  the  population.  Two 
weeks  after  this,  there  was  another  general  meet- 
ing, and  then,  all  the  theological  students  went 
to  be  actively  engaged  in  carrying  on  the  work 
of  the  Lord.  These  were  pentecostal  seasons,  in 
which  many  were  pricked  to  the  heart  and  hope- 
fully brought  to  embrace  the  Lord  Jesus  as  their 
Saviour.  Yet  there  were  those  who  were  ready  to 
say :  "  these  men,  if  not  full  of  new  wine,"  are 
beside  themselves  ;  and  among  them  were  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  and  even  ministers  of  the 
gospel.  Days  of  fasting  and  prayer  were  held ,  to 
beseech  God  that  they  might  not  fall  into  the 
fatal  delusion  which  possessed  the  people. 

I  distinctly  recollect  several  cases  of  remark- 
able conversions,  one  or  two  of  which  I  will 
mention :  Dr.  Hare,  a  man  of  strong  mind,  and 
of  an  uncommonly  athletic  frame  of  body — I 
think  he  had  been  a  surgeon  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary army — had  been  exposed  to  great  dan- 
ger  and  had  witnessed  many  scenes  of  blood 


EKMAKKABLE    REVIVAL.  55 

and  carnage.  He  had  been  sceptical,  and  pro- 
fessed to  be  an  atheist — and  yet  even  this  man 
Avas  prostrated  on  a  Sabbath  evening.  A  minister, 
an  old  acquaintance,  spoke  to  him,  reminding 
him  of  his  dependence  on  God,  nrging  him  to 
obey  God  and  accept  the  salvation  of  the  gospel. 
He  raised  himself  up,  and  said :  "  There  is  a 
God !  I  feel  there  is  a  God  ;  bnt  to  me  he  is  an 
angry  God."  The  early  part  of  the  evening  he 
attended  pnblic  and  social  worship.  When  the 
congregation  came  together  on  Monday,  the  Doc- 
tor was  missing,  and  from  the  agony  in  which 
he  was  on  the  preceding  evening,  it  was  feared 
he  had  chosen  sti'angling  rather  than  life.  But 
he  came  out  of  the  woods,  where  he  had  been 
praying,  and  took  his  seat  in  the  congrega- 
tion. He  left  the  place  in  great  distress,  and 
several  weeks  elapsed  before  he  found  peace 
in  believing.  I  saw  him  on  several  sacramental 
occasions  afterwards,  and  his  custom  was  to  speak 
to  the  young  people,  and  to  sing  and  pray  with 
them.  By  his  life  and  conversation  he  gave  prac- 
tical evidence  to  his  dying  day,  which  occurred 
several  years  after,  that  he  was  a  new  creature  in 
Christ  Jesus. 


56  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

Another  remarkable  case  occurs  to  my  mind. 
It  is  that  of  an  old  waggoner's  wife.  She  was  a 
woman  of  notorionsly  bad  character — apparently 
as  far  from  the  kingdom  of  God  as  any  one  could 
be — she  was  greatly  affected,  and  she  was  gene- 
rally avoided  on  account  of  her  known  infamons 
character.  Mrs.  McMillan,  the  wife  of  Dr. 
McMillan,  and  myself,  went  and  supported  her 
when  she  w'as  not  able  to  snpport  herself.  She 
was  very  ignorant  as  well  as  wicked.  We  pre- 
sented to  her  the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel, 
telling  her  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world 
to  save  sinners,  and  that  he  could  save  to  the 
uttermost,  all  who  came  to  God  through  him, 
even  the  chief  of  sinners.  She  fell  again  and 
again,  and  did  not  find  peace  to  her  soul  for 
many  months  after  I  left  the  country.  While 
men  and  women  avoided  her,  the  Holy  Spirit 
was  striving  with  her,  and  she  became  hopefully 
pious,  as  I  have  learned,  by  letters,  and  manifest- 
ed a  change  of  heart  by  a  life  of  holy  obedience, 
until  her  death,  which  occurred  several  years 
afterwards. 

It  is  not  to  be  thought  that  only  the  ignorant 


EEMAEKABLE   REVIVAL.  67 

and  profane  were  subject  to  bodily  exercises. 
Some  of  the  most  moral  and  exemplary,  and 
even  some,  whose  piety,  before  and  after,  was 
nnqiiestioned,  were  unable  to  control  their  mus- 
cular powers. 

The  image  of  good  old  James  Edgar,  an  elder 
in  the  Presbyterian  church,  as  he  sat  on  a  flatted 
log  for  a  seat,  holding  an  interesting  little  girl  on 
Lis  arm,  praying  and  dropping  a  tear  on  her 
face,  is  still  vividly  before  me.  "When  she  rose 
up,  and  spoke  of  Jesus  as  her  precious  savior,  the 
old  gentleman  remarked  with  tears  in  his  eyes, 
that  God  had  honored  his  arms  as  the  birthplace 
of  one  of  his  children.  This  Mr.  Edgar  was  a 
remarkable  man  for  intelligence,  prudence,  and 
exemplary  piety.  For  many  years  he  was  one 
of  the  Associate  Judges  in  the  County  of  Wash- 
ington ;  had  frequently  represented  his  district 
in  the  Legislature,  and  had  been  a  member  of 
the  convention  which  formed  the  constitution  of 
Pennsylvania.  He  also  had  great  influence  in 
restraining  the  violence  of  the  people,  and  in 
quelling  the  insurrection  of  1794,  in  the  western 
counties.  During  this  revival,  I  must  have  visited 
4 


58  ATJTOBIOGKAPHT. 

not  less  than  ten  or  twelve  congregations,  and  I 
was  made  acquainted  with  the  ministers  who 
conducted  it ;  and  a  more  pious,  devoted  and 
self-denjnng  set  of  men  I  never  knew.  Their 
preaching  had  much  to  do  with  the  heart,  the 
temptations  of  the  devil,  the  helplessness  of  the 
sinner,  the  necessity  of  a  change  of  heart  by 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  of  immediately 
ceasing  to  fight  against  God,  of  believing  in 
Christ,  whose  righteousness  alone  was  adequate 
to  the  demands  of  the  divine  law.* 

*  See  Appendix  A, 


TEACHING.  59 


CHAPTEE  lY. 

Determines  to  return  east  of  the  mountains,  to  teach  in  a 
private  family — An  account  of  his  journey — Passes  through 
Baltimore  and  Annapolis — Crosses  the  Chesapeake — Finds 
the  place  engaged  pre-occupied— Disappointment  and  great 
perplexity — Succeeds  in  obtaining  another  place — Incidents 
in  Maryland — Leaves  Maryland — Returns  through  Phila- 
delphia to  Orange  county — Returns  to  Princeton,  and  stu- 
dies under  Dr.  H.  Kollock — Appointed  tutor  in  the  college 
— Incidents  in  that  office — The  Osage  Indians. 

In  the  summer  of  1803  I  was  taken  under  the 
care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  as  a  candidate 
for  the  gospel  ministry.  And  I  was  strongly 
urged  to  take  license,  and  to  engage  in  the 
work  of  a  missionary.  This  I  could  not  con- 
scientiously do.  And  as  my  means  of  support 
were  nearly  exhausted  I  determined  to  suspend 
study  for  some  time,  and  to  engage  in  teaching. 
I  wrote  to  a  friend  on  the  subject,  laid  my  plan 
before  him,  and  he  loaned  me  one  hundred 
dollars,  to  enable  me  to  pay  my  debts,  and  to 


60  AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 

return  to  the  east  side  of  the  mountains.  My 
plan  was  opposed  by  good  old  Dr.  McMillan. 
He  went  so  far  as  to  say,  it  was  a  temptation  of 
the  devil,  and  that  if  I  persisted  in  attempting 
to  flee  from  my  duty  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
would  arrest  me,  as  it  did  Jonah  in  a  similar 
case  ;  and  hereafter,  although  I  might  be  saved 
as  by  fire,  I  would  suffer  loss.  And  although 
his  warning  caused  me  many  serious  thoughts, 
and  no  little  prayer,  I  felt  constrained  to  do  as 
I  had  proposed.  When  it  was  known  that  I 
would  go,  .a  prayer-meeting  was  held  at  Dr. 
McMillan's  house,  where  I  boarded,  and  with 
much  feeling  I  was  commended  to  the  care  and 
keeping  of  Almighty  God. 

About  the  1st  of  December,  1803,  I  took  ray 
leave  of  that  region  of  country,  endeared  to  me 
by  many  considerations.  There  I  hope  I 
learned  more  of  myself  and  of  my  Saviour  than 
I  had  ever  known  before ;  there  I  had  become 
acquainted  with  many  with  whom  I  hope  to 
be  associated  in  another  and  a  better  world  ; 
there  I  left  behind  me  those  wlio  would  not 
cease    to   pray   for   me ;    and   there,   I    verily 


THE   JOURNEY.  61 

believe,  were  many  of  God's  dear  children  with 
Wiom  I  had  taken  sweet  counsel,  and  gone  up 
to  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house.  My  heart 
was  full,  and  my  eyes  overflowed,  as  I  turned 
away  from  them,  and  set  out,  solitary  and 
alone,  to  travel  about  four  hundred  miles,  and 
to  reside  among  strangers.  My  old  saddle-bag 
again  became  my  wardrobe,  and,  mounted  on  a 
small,  iron-gre}^  jo^^^ig  mare,  spirited,  tough, 
and  ready  to  contend  for  her  rights,  I  directed 
my  course  to  the  mountains.  The  first  night  I 
lodged  at  the  same  house  with  two  gentlemen 
who  were  to  travel  about  two  hundred  miles 
the  same  road  with  myself.  But  in  the  morn- 
ing they  proceeded  at  such  a  rate  that  I  could 
not  consistently  follow,  remembering  that  "  a 
righteous  man  regardeth  the  life  of  his  beast." 
But  before  night  they  found  that  they  had 
travelled  too  fast,  especially  at  the  commence- 
ment of  a  long  journey,  and  I  overtook  them, 
and  we  proceeded  together  for  several  days. 

In  recrossing  the  mountains  I  noticed  con- 
siderable improvement  in  the  accommodations 
since  I  had  passed  them  ;  but  still  not  so  good 


62  AUTOBIOGRAPHT. 

as  they  are  at  the  present  time.  You  bad  to 
see  that  your  horse  received  what  you  orderegl, 
and  what  you  paid  for.  My  mare  was  ever 
ready  to  take  care  of  herself  w^hen  she  had  a 
chance,  and  see  that  her  rights  were  not  in- 
vaded with  impunity.  On  one  occasion,  oats 
were  placed  before  her  in  a  trough  before  the 
door.  I  remarked  to  the  landlord  that  he 
had  better  cause  his  fowls  to  be  driven  away,  or 
they  might  be  injured.  He  laughed,  and  said 
he  would  risk  the  fowls  if  I  would  risk  the  oats. 
These  remarks  were  scarcely  made  when  my 
filly  snapped  at  a  rooster  in  the  manger,  retain- 
ing the  head  in  her  mouth,  and  causing  the 
body  to  fly  several  feet.  I  paid  for  the  oats, 
and  left  "  mine  host"  and  his  headless  rooster. 

On  the  east  side  of  the  mountains  I  parted 
■with  my  fellow  travellers.  They  directed  their 
course  towards  Philadelphia,  and  I  towards 
Baltimore.  I  had  made  arrangements  to  teach 
in*  a  gentleman's  family  on  the  eastern  shore  of 
Maryland.  I  lodged  one  night  in  Baltimore, 
and  as  I  sat  part  of  the  evening  in  the  public 
parlor  I  heard  some  men,  who  from  their  dress 


DISAPPOINTMENT.  63 

might  have  passed  for  gentlemen  (one  of  them 
was  sheriff  of  the  county),  conversing  respecting 
scenes  which  had  been  acted  in  the  city,  and  in 
which  they  had  been  engaged,  that  filled  me 
with  horror,  and  I  felt  as  if  I  was  called  on  to 
flee  out  of  that  city,  lest  the  wrath  of  God 
should  be  poured  upon  me  and  all  that  dwelt 
therein. 

I  passed  through  Annapolis,  crossed  the 
Chesapeake  Bay,  and  was  landed  on  Kenb 
Island.  I  remember  that  my  feelings  were 
interested  for  a  poor  black  man  who  ferried  me 
over  a  small  branch  that  separates  the  island 
from  the  eastern  shore.  I  lodged  at  Easton, 
and  wlien  I  arrived  at  the  house  of  the  gentle- 
man with  whom  I  expected  to  reside,  I  found  a 
young  man  from  Kew  England  already  engaged 
as  a  teacher.  I  had  delayed  beyond  the  time 
appointed,  and  the  services  of  another  who 
offered  had  been  secured.  I  was  directed  to 
another  gentleman  who  wanted  a  teacher  in  his 
family,  and  I  called  to  see  him,  and  I  found 
that  he  had  made  arrangements  with  a  young 
man  from  Yale  College.    Thus  disappointed  I 


64  AUTOBIOGKAPHY, 

returned  to  the  liouse  of  the  gentleman  in  whose 
family  I  had  expected  to  be  employed,  and 
remained  for  the  night.  The  next  day  was  the 
Sabbath,  and  it  rained  excessively.  On  Monday, 
after  breakfast,  I  proceeded  towards  the  State  of 
ISTew  York,  taking  Easton  in  my  way,  near 
which  place  the  second  gentleman  resided  in 
whose  family  I  had  applied  to  be  employed. 
The  rain  fell  in  torrents,  and  I  was  engaged  in 
thinking  on  my  unj^leasant  situation ;  I  had 
borrowed  one  hundred  dollars,  and  had  no  pros- 
pect of  employment.  I  was  miserable,  and,  I  may 
say,  almost  desperate.  I  saw  no  way  of  repaying 
the  money  which  I  had  borrowed.  And  as  I 
rode  along  I  came  to  the  conclusion,  that  I 
would  go  to  Baltimore,  sell  my  horse,  saddle, 
and  bridle,  and  ship  myself  on  board  the  first 
vessel  leaving  the  port,  whether  for  the  east, 
west,  north,  or  south.  This  idea  was  dwelt  on 
for  some  time,  as  a  relief  from  the  uncertainty 
before  me.     But  the  thought  occurred  to  my 

mind,  "What  will ,  the  young  lady  to  whom 

I  was   engaged   to   be   married,   think?*    My 

*  Thus   God,   in  his   adorable   providence,  makes  use   of 


UNEXPECTED   EMPLOYMENT.  65 

plans  were  arrested,  and  my  tears  flowed,  and  I 
scarcely  knew  what  I  thought  or  what  I  did.  I 
came  to  the  honse  of  my  friend,  and  determined 
to  remain  with  him  for  the  night,  and  in  the 
morning  to  proceed  towards  the  State  of  New 
York,  not  knowing  what  I  would  do,  or  what 
would  become  of  nie. 

After  the  ladies  had  retired  in  the  evening  and 
the  gentleman  and  myself  were  left  alone  in  the 
parlor — "  Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the 
mouth  speaketli" — I  was  led  to  give  a  short  his- 
tory of  myself,  and  in  return  he  also  gave  me  a 
short  history  of  himself  He  also  had  had  trials 
and  sorrows.  We  found  ourselves  in  tears  and  so 
retired  to  bed.  In  the  morning  I  prepared  to 
go  on  my  way,  and  after  breaklast  ordered  my 
horse.  He  said,  "that  I  miist  not  go  yet."  I 
remained  an  hour  or  more,  and  again  ordered 
my  horse.  He  replied,  "  he  had  concluded  to 
employ  me  in  his  family,  and  that  I  must  stay 
with  him."  This  was  unexpected,  and  I  objected, 
saying  that  the  young  man  in  Connecticut  ex- 

latiiral  aftection  to  restrain  from  evil  his  erring  children, 
rthen  a  sense  of  duty  is  too  feeble. — Ed. 

4* 


6Q  AUTOBIOGEAPHT. 

pected  to  come,  and  I  did  not  wish  any  human 
being  subjected  to  the  same  feelings  I  had  expe- 
rienced by  disappointment.  "  But,"  said  lie, 
"  you  must  stay  ;  I  have  made  up  my  mind,  if  he 
comes,  to  pay  his  expenses  coming  and  return- 
ing, and  yon  must  stay."  I  did  so,  and  I  remain- 
ed in  his  family  a  year  and  a  half.  There  I  be- 
came acquainted  with  some  of  the  leading  men 
in  the  State,  the  Tilghmans  and  Lloyds,  Golds- 
boroughs,  Smiths  and  others. 

"With  Mr.  Henry  Nichols  I  remained  until 
May,  1805,  at  a  salary  of  three  hundred  dollars 
a  year,  with  boarding  and  washing  and  my  horse 
kept.  I  had  the  charge  of  his  children,  and  the 
children  of  his  sister,  who  had  been  married  to  a 
Mr.  DeComsey.  A  son  of  Dr.  More  and  daughter 
of  Lawyer  Buttel,  were  also  my  pupils  ;  likewise 
the  son  of  Thomas  Hayward,  whose  father  had 
been  Attorney-General  of  the  State  of  Maryland. 
I  endeavored  to  teach  them,  not  only  to  become 
^'  acquainted  with  human  science,  but  to  know 
him  whom  to  know  aright  is  life  eternal. 

Mr.  Nichols,   the  gentleman  with    whom   I 
lived,  was  an  episcopalian,  and  with  him  and  his 


UIGn  LIFE.  67 

family  I  attended  the  episcopal  churcli  during 
my  residence  in  Maryland.  Our  family  was  in- 
timate with  the  Goldsboroughs,  the  Tilghmans, 
the  Kerrs,  the  Chamberlains,  the  Lloyds,  the  Nel- 
sons and  others.  On  one  occasion  I  went  with 
the  family  to  a  dining  party ;  I  saw  high  life  in- 
deed, and  it  was  the  only  time  that  I  attended. 
The  families  of  the  Nichols  and  the  Playwards 
were  in  the  habit  of  visiting  each  other  on  Satur- 
days, and  then  the  blacks  would  draw  the  seine, 
and  the  ladies  with  their  maids  would  cook  the 
fish,  crabs,  lobsters,  oysters,  crocus,  yellow  perch, 
and  once  in  a  while  a  sheepshead. 

It  was  the  practice  of  the  gentlemen  to  loosen 
the  seine  if  it  became  entangled  on  a  stone  or 
root  in  the  bottom  of  the  bay.  When  the  tide 
was  low  in  the  Chesapeake,  the  gentlemen  who 
wished  to  amuse  themselves,  would  each  mount 
a  horse,  with  spear  in  hand,  and  watch  the  mo- 
tion of  the  rock-fish  or  sea-bass,  pursue,  pierce 
him  with  the  spear,  and  hand  him  to  the  cook  to 
prepare  for  dinner.  Mr.  Nichols  was  a  pious 
man,  and  his  house  was  the  clerical  hotel.  The 
Key.  Mr.  Claggett,  then  Bishop  of  Maryland, 


68  AITTOBIOGEAPHT. 

spent  a  night  with  ns,  and  I  heard  him  relate  the 
effect  which  a  sermon  of  the  Kev.  Geo.  White- 
field  had  on  him  while  a  member  of  the  Senior 
Class  in  Princeton  College.  That  sermon,  he 
said,  determined  him  to  enter  the  ministry.  In 
company  with  Mr.  ^Nichols  and  several  of  the 
children,  I  visited  one  of  his  plantations,  on  the 
banks  of  the  great  Choptank,  and  there  I  saw 
beds  of  shells  several  feet  deep,  and  some  of  them 
of  a  most  curious  formation.  I  have  often  regret- 
ted that  I  did  not  preserve  specimens,  which 
might  have  been  of  service  in  the  study  of  con- 
chology. 

While  at  Easton,  I  visited  Baltimore,  and  had 
a  great  fright  on  the  Chesapeake  and  the  Patap- 
sco  river.  It  was  a  regular  squall,  such  as  often 
occurs  in  the  Chesapeake.  We  reached  the  dock 
without  damage. 

After  remaining  with  Mr,  Nichols  a  year  and 
a  half,  I  intimated  my  intention  of  returning  to 
Princeton.  He  objected,  and  proposed  giving 
me  four  hundred  dollars  a  year  for  any  number 
of  years,  with  boarding  and  horse-keeping.  I 
replied,  "  No !  if  joii  gave  me  four  thousand 


A  KEEPSAKE.  69 

dollars  a  year  I  could  not  stay  ;  I  came  to  you 
because  I  was  poor,  and  necessity  compelled  me 
to  relinquish  my  studies  for  a  time  ;  I  am  now  in 
a  condition  that  will  enable  me  to  complete  my 
studies.  I  am  pleased  with  you  and  your  family, 
and  I  shall  always  reflect  with  pleasure  on  the 
relations  which  we  have  sustained ;  but  my 
heart  is  fixed  upon  the  ministry,  and  I  cannot 
consent  to  continue  with  you  any  longer." 
Having  procured  for  him  a  successor,  I  prepared 
to  direct  my  steps  to  the  Korth.  He  rode  with  me 
nine  miles,  to  two  plantations,  which  he  had  ob- 
tained with  his  wife,  and  when  we  parted,  he  put 
into  my  hand  a  keepsake,  which  I  found  to  be  a 
pair  of  gold  sleeve-buttons.  He  had  purchased 
them  when  he  was  married,  twenty-two  years  be- 
fore, and  I  have  worn  them  to  the  present  time, 
(1852.)  I  received  them  in  May,  1805,  so  that 
they  have  been  in  use  sixty-nine  years,  and  they 
are  at  this  time  in  good  condition.  The  family 
are  now  nearly  all  dead,  or  removed,  as  I  last 
summer  learned  from  Dr.  More,  one  of  my 
pupils  in  Easton,  who  now  resides  in  Philadel- 
phia. 


70  AUTOBIOGKAPHT. 

I  have  many  pleasant  recollections  connected 
with  my  residence  near  Easton,  in  Talbot  county, 
on  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland. 

In  May  I  left  that  hospitable  family  in  com- 
pany with  a  number  of  Friends,  who  were  on 
their  way  to  attend  their  yearly  meeting  in  Phi- 
ladelphia. I  was  treated  as  a  friend,  though  I 
was  not  a  Friend.  We  parted  at  Philadelphia, 
and  I  proceeded  to  Princeton,  and  there  tarried  a 
week  waiting  for  the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery. 
I  was  taken  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
and  entered  the  class  of  theological  students, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kollock, 
Professor  of  Theology  in  the  College  of  New  Jer- 
sey. Having  a  few  weeks  before  the  Session  com- 
menced I  made  a  visit  to  my  mother  and  family  ; 
on  my  way  I  called  to  see  her  to  whom  I  was 
engaged,  and  who  afterwards  became  my  wife. 
The  interview  was  affecting ;  we  had  not  seen 
each  other  for  three  years  and  one  week.  I 
found  my  mother  and  family  well ;  and  although 
suffering  from  two  teeth  broken  below  the  gum 
in  attempting  to  extract  them,  I  was  happy  in 
seeing  once  more  the  place  of  my  nativity,  and 


RETURNS   TO    PRINCETON.  71 

the  faces  of  many  still  familiar  to  me,  though  I 
had  not  seen  them  for  years. 

In  a  few  weeks  I  returned  to  Princeton,  and 
commenced  my  theological  studies,  in  the 
spring  of  1805.  The  class  consisted  of  Wil- 
liams, Chapman,  Campbell, ,  and  myself. 

We  ate  at  the  common  table  in  the  refectory. 
In  the  fall,  at  the  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the 
college  at  commencement,  I  was  appointed  ^ 
tutor  of  the  Sophomore  class  in  the  college. 
The  other  tutor  was  Mr.  Isaac  Y.  Brown.  "*" 
We  together  had  charge  of  the  interior  of  the 
college,  conducted  morning  worship  in  the 
chapel,  and  presided  at  the  table  in  the  refec- 
tory. One  part  of  our  duty  was  to  visit  every 
room  twice  a  day,  viz.  at  two  o'clock  p.  m.,  and 
at  nine  o'clock  p.  m. 

The  compensation  was  a  room,  fuel,  and 
light,  and  two  hundred  dollars  a  year.  And 
although  we  were  required  to  remain  three 
hours  each  day  in  the  recitation  room  with  the 
Freshman  and  Sophomore  classes,  yet  we  found 
full  as  much  time  for  our  studies  as  if  we  had 
had  no  duties  to  perform  iu  the  college.    When 


72  AUTOBIOGEAPHT. 

tlie  bell  rang  it  was  a  signal  for  company  to 
depart,  or  for  lis  to  say,  "  Please  excuse  us,  our 
class  is  waiting."  The  faculty  consisted  of,  Dr. 
S,  S.  Smith,  President;  John  Maclean,  M.D., 
Professor  of  Natural  Philosophy  and  Chemis- 
try ;  Dr.  H.  Kollock,  Professor  of  Theology  ; 
William  Thompson,  Professor  of  Latin  and 
Greek  languages ;  the  Rev.  Andrew  Hauter, 
Professor  of  Mathematics  and  Astronomy ;  John 
Johnston,  and  Isaac  Y.  Brown,  Tutors.  The 
faculty  were  harmonious,  with  very  few  ex- 
ceptions. 

In  general  the  students  were  orderly  and 
attentive  to  their  studies.  Occasionally  there 
were  proceedings  such  as  are  common  among 
lads  thus  congregated.  I  recollect  that  on  one 
night  I  heard  a  movement  in  a  certain  room, 
which  led  me  to  infer  that  all  was  not  right. 
With  a  light  in  my  hand  I  went  to  the  room, 
found  the  door  locked,  and  was  refused  admit- 
tance. But  on  announcing  my  official  title, 
and  threatening  to  break  the  door  unless  it  was 
opened,  the  lights  in  the  room  were  extin- 
guished, and  the  door  was  opened,  those  within 


THE   STUDENTS.  73 

intending  to  rush  out  in  the  dark;  but,  to  their 
astonishment,  I  stood  before  them  with  a  lan- 
tern burning.  They  retreated  back,  I  followed, 
and  having  ascertained  who  they  were  I  ad- 
vised them  to  retire  to  their  rooms,  and  bade 
them  good  night.  Early  in  the  morning  some 
of  them  called  on  me,  manifesting  considerable 
uneasiness  respecting  what  they  apprehended 
would  be  the  result.  I  gave  no  opinion,  but 
requested  all  concerned  to  meet  me  in  one  of 
their  rooms  immediately  after  breakfast.  I 
spoke  to  them  respecting  the  end  to  which  such 
a  course  of  conduct  would  lead,  and  the  feelings 
of  their  parents  and  friends  if  made  acquainted 
with  the  proceedings  of  the  preceding  night. 
I  stated  that  no  one  had  heard  from  me  one  word 
connected  with  the  subject,  and  if  they  would 
pledge  themselves  to  me  that  they  would  ab- 
stain from  all  such  conduct  in  coming  time  the 
matter  should  end.  They  gave  me  their  word, 
and  I  gave  each  one  of  them  my  hand,  in  token 
of  satisfaction  and  confidence.  Tlie  result  was 
far  better  than  if  I  had  reported  them  to  the 
faculty,  and  subjected  them  to  the  discipline  of 


74:  AUTOBIOGEAPHY. 

the  college.  "We  often  took  walks  for  recreation 
and  health,  and  on  our  way  we  often  spent  a 
pleasant  hour  with  Mrs.  Dr.  Yanclive  and  her 
sister,  Miss  Houston,  who  afterwards  became 
the  wife  of  my  colleague,  Mr.  Brown. 

We  were  also  in  the  habit  of  calling  to  see  a 
pious  aged  lady,  whom  we  familiarly  called 
"  Mother  Knox,"  who  said  she  had  heard  every 
one  who  had  been  president  of  the  college 
preach.  "While  she  spoke  in  high  terms  of  all 
the  presidents,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Davies  was  her 
favorite  preacher.  Her  eyes  would  brighten  on 
the  mention  of  the  name  of  Davies.  Her  house 
was  the  resort  of  pious  students  in  the  college, 
and  there  they  would  frequently  have  prayer- 
meetings,  and  hear  something  respecting  the 
interests  of  religion.  There  are  many  still 
living  (1852)  that  love  to  remind  each  other  of 
what  they  saw  and  heard  in  the  humble  dwell- 
ing of  Mother  Knox. 

In  connexion  witli  my  duties  as  tutor  I  acted 
as  assistant  librarian.  Dr.  Kollock  and  I  ex- 
changed the  works  of  the  learned  Chillingworth 
for  a  copy  of  Guyse's  "  Paraphrase  on  the  New 


THE   OSAGE   INDIANS.  75 

Testament,"  of  which  there  were  duplicates  in 
the  college  library.  I  also  added  to  my  little 
library  King  on  "  The  Creed,"  and  Stackhouse's 
"  History  of  the  Bible,"  purchased  from  a  farmer 
in  the  neighborhood. 

One  evening,  while  at  the  head  of  the  table 
in  the  refectory,  I  received  a  note  from  Dr. 
Smith,  saying,  that  two  stage  loads  of  Indians 
had  just  arrived,  and  he  would  introduce  them 
to  the  students,  provided  we  would  keep  our 
seats.  In  a  few  minutes  the}''  came  following 
the  president.  They  were  taken  to  the  library 
and  chapel,  and  Dr.  Maclean  showed  them 
drawings  of  Indians  in  Cook's  ''  Voyages  round 
the  World,"  and  it  was  amusing  to  see  them 
run  to  each  other,  and  then  point  to  the  draw- 
ings which  had  some  resemblance  to  one  of 
their  company.  After  a  short  talk  between  the 
president  and  one  of  the  chiefs,  they  proceeded 
through  the  Campus  towards  the  public  house. 
^  It  was  dark,  and  there  were  few  lights  in  the 
windows  on  the  street.  Suddenly  they  raised 
the  warwhoop,  and  instantly  disappeared.  Some 
lay  flat  on  the  ground,  some  concealed  them- 


76  ATJTOBIOGKAPHY. 

selves  behind  trees,  others  at  the  corners  of  the 
houses.  After  a  few  minutes  they  returned  to 
their  former  station,  and  commenced  a  war  song 
as  they  proceeded  to  their  quarters.  It  was  the 
most  awful  and  soul-thrilling  sound  I  ever 
heard.  It  rang  in  my  ears  almost  constantly 
for  months,  and  even  now,  as  I  write,  I  feel  a 
mental  agitation.  Day  after  day  many  of  the 
old  and  young,  black  and  white,  inhabitants  of 
Princeton  were  endeavoring  to  act  over  again 
the  transactions  of  that  evening.  The  Indians 
returned  to  the  tavern  to  sleep,  not  on  a  bed 
but  on  the  floor.  The  chief  of  the  Little  Osage 
tribe  was  the  most  perfect  specimen  of  the 
human  form  that  I  ever  saw.  He  was  above 
six  feet  high,  and  in  every  respect  of  such  pro- 
portion as  filled  the  eye  with  pleasure. 


MESriSTEEIAL  LIFE.  77 


CHAPTEE  Y. 

Resigns  tutorship — Licensed  to  preach — Returns  to  Orange 
county — Supplies  vacant  congregations,  under  the  direction 
of  the  presb3'tery  of  Hudson — Accepts  a  call  from  the  con- 
gregations of  New  "Windsor  and  Newburgh — History  of  the 
church  of  New  Windsor  and  Newburgh — His  marriage — 
His  ordination — Commences  housekeeping — Resigns  the 
charge  of  New  Windsor,  and  gives  his  whole  time  to  New- 
burgh— The  origin  of  the  church  in  Newburgh — The  minis- 
ters who  preceded  him — The  extent  of  his  charge — An 
infidel  club  in  Newburgh — Ignorance  of  the  religious  state 
of  Newburgh — Opposition  of  friends  to  his  location. 

Thus  far  we  have  given  the  autobiography  of 
Mr.  Johnston  as  he  has  left  it,  with  a  few  omis- 
sions of  no  importance.  He  has  continued  the 
narrative  much  further,  but  it  is  ahnost  a  daily 
account  of  his  engagements  and  labors.  It  is 
sufficient  to  know,  that  he  resigned  his  office  of 
tutor  in  the  college  on  the  last  "Wednesday  in 
September,  1806,  and  that  he  was  licensed  to 
preach  the  gospel  by  the   presbytery  of  New 


78  MINISTEEIAL  LIFE. 

Brunswick,  in  the  city  of  Trenton,  on  the  8th  of 
October  of  the  same  year  ;  that  he  returned  to 
his  native  place  in  Orange  county.  State  of  ISTew 
York ;  that  he  received  appointments  from  the 
presbytery  of  Hudson  to  preach  in  ISTewburgh, 
'New  "Windsor,  Florida,  and  Pleasant  Yalley, 
all  of  which  congregations  were  then  vacant. 
In  Pleasant  Yalley  there  was  considerable 
excitement  on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  in  a 
few  cases  he  saw  bodily  agitations  similar  to 
those  he  had  previously  witnessed  in  western 
Pennsylvania. 

He  had  taken  with  him  only  two  prepared 
sermons,  intended  for  the  two  Sabbaths  which 
by  appointment  he  was  to  spend  in  that  place. 
But  after  the  first  sermon  he  found  that  an 
appointment  was  made  for  him  to  preach  a 
funeral  sermon.  And  such  was  the  anxiety  of 
the  people  to  hear  that  he  had  to  preach  almost 
every  day,  so  that  he  preached  thirteen  times 
during  the  thirteen  days  that  he  remained 
there,  besides  giving  exhortations,  or  short 
addresses,  at  prayer-meetings. 

From  all  the  vacant  congregations  where  he 


MAEEIAGE.  79 

had  preaclied  he  received  invitations  to  locate 
himself  with  them  as  their  pastor.  But,  for 
reasons  which  then  appeared  to  him  satisfactory, 
he  refused  to  permit  the  congregations  of  Flo- 
rida and  Pleasant  Valley  to  make  out  for  him 
formal  and  regular  calls,  determined  to  accept 
the  invitation  from  the  nnited  churches  of  New 
Windsor  and  Newhurgh. 

When  he  saw  there  was  a  fair  prospect  of 
settlement,  and  of  the  means  of  supporting  a 
family,  the  marriage  between  himself  and  Mary 
Bull,  daughter  of  Daniel  Bull,  of  Orange 
county,  was  consummated  on  the  2Tth  day  of 
January,  1807.  They  had  been  born  and 
brought  up  in  the  same  neighborhood,  and  an 
early  and  mutual  attachment  had  taken  place, 
and  they  had  promised  several  years  before  the 
event  occurred  to  form  the  relation  of  husband 
and  wife  when,  in  the  providence  of  God,  it 
might  appear  to  be  their  duty.  Here  the 
strength  of  Christian  principle  was  manifest, 
not  only  in  adhering  to  their  sacred  vows,  but 
also  in  that  which  was  more  difficult,  in  not 
permitting  an  ardent  aftection  to  interfere  with 


80  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

the  great  object  in  view — preparation  for  the 
gospel  ministry.  During  the  long  interval 
between  their  engagement  and  marriage  they 
were  separated  from  each  other,  and  at  one 
time  they  had  not  seen  each  other  for  more  than 
three  years.  This  union  was  long  and  happy. 
It  was  one  of  those  "  few  happy  matches" 
which,  as  Dr.  Watts  expresses  it,  "  were  made 
in  heaven."  Their  natural  temperament  or 
disposition  was  different ;  not  altogether  such  as 
Milton  alleges  between  Adam  and  Eve : 

"  Though  both 
Not  equal,  as  their  sex  not  equal  seemed : 
For  contemplation  he  and  valor  formed  ; 
For  softness  she  and  sweet  attractive  grace." 

But  their  natural  qualities  were  such  as  were 
exactly  suited  to  each  other.  The  one  possessed 
what  the  other  lacked.  He  was  lively,  active, 
easily  moved  to  mirthfulness  or  tears,  subject  to 
abrupt  changes  from  the  highest  elevation  to 
the  deepest  depression.  She  was  calm,  sedate, 
cheerful,  not  easily  thrown  from  her  serene 
equanimity,  not  over  joyous  in  prosperity,  nor 


HIS    ORDINATION.  81 

discouraged  in  adversity  ;  she  "kept  the  noise- 
less tenor  of  her  way."  She  was  such  a  wife  as 
Mr.  Johnston  needed  to  soothe  him  in  moments 
of  dejection,  and  to  control  the  exuberance  of 
his  feelings  in  the  hours  of  joy.  She  was  also  a 
helpmate  to  him  in  his  ministerial  work,  and 
contributed  largely  to  his  success  and  usefulness 
among  his  people  during  forty-eight  years,  as 
we  shall  see  in  the  sequel. 

Mr.  Johnston  had  preached  several  times  in 
Newburgh  and  New  Windsor  at  the  close  of 
1806  and  the  beginning  of  1807.  On  the  1st  of 
April  he  began  his  regular  service,  although  he 
was  not  ordained  and  installed  until  the  5th  of 
August,  1807.  The  ordination  and  installation 
took  place  at  New  Windsor,  and  the  Presby- 
terial  services  were  performed  as  follows  : 

The  E-ev.  Andrew  King  presided,  and  made 
the  ordaining  prayer ;  the  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis 
preached.  Col.  iii.  11 ;  the  Kev.  Methuselah 
Baldwin  delivered  the  charge  to  the  pastor ;  and 
the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Grant  made  an  address  to 
the  people  of  the  united  congregations.  They 
are  all  gone  to  their  rest. 


i 


82  MINISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

Mr.  Johnston  located  himself  and  his  com- 
panion in  Newburgh,  occupying  a  small  house  in 
what  was  then  called  "  the  Old  Town,"  in  May, 
1807,  "  enjoying,"  as  he  records,  "  in  our  humble 
abode  as  much  domestic  happiness  as  falls  to  the 
lot  of  any  young  clergyman  and  his  companion." 
In  1813  he  had  a  plain  and  convenient  house 
erected,  on  a  lot  which  he  had  previously 
purchased,  situated  in  a  high  and  commanding 
position,  from  which  there  is  a  view  of  the  noble 
Hudson,  the  vessels  passing  and  repassing,  the  ele- 
vated range  of  mountains  east  of  the  river,  IS'ew 
"Windsor,  and  West  Point.  He  removed  into 
his  new  dwelling  in  December,  1813,  and 
resided  in  the  same  house  until  his  death. 
Shortly  before  his  death  he  remarked,  that  he 
knew  no  family  in  Newburgh  that  had  occu- 
pied the  same  house  so  long  a  time.  The  con- 
gregations of  Newburgh  and  New  Windsor 
were  each  to  have  an  equal  part  of  his  labors, 
and  they  engaged  each  to  pay  him  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  dollars  a  year  for  his 
support,  making  his  annual  salary  six  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars. 


PAEOCHIAL   DUTY.  83 

At  first  he  attempted  to  preach  one  sermon  in 
each  place  on  tlie  Sabbath,  but  finding  tiiis 
arrangement  on  many  accounts  inconvenient, 
he  afterwards  preached  a  whole  Sabbath  alter- 
nately in  E'ewburgh  and  New  Windsor.  As 
the  places  of  worship  were  only  two  miles  apart 
a  large  part  of  both  congregations  attended 
both  services.  This  arrangement  was  continued 
until  April,  1810,  about  three  years  after  his 
ordination,  when,  with  the  consent  of  both  con- 
gregations, he  was  released  from  the  charge  of 
New  Windsor,  the  congregation  of  Newburgh 
having  presented,  through  the  presbytery,  a 
call  for  the  whole  of  his  services,  promising  him 
one  hundred  dollars  more  than  he  had  received 
from  both  congregations.  There  he  continued 
to  labor  until  his  death. 

The  life  of  a  settled  pastor,  especially  if  he 
continues  to  serve  the  same  people  for  many 
years,  is  so  uniform  and  monotonous  that  it  con- 
tains few  landmarks  to  variegate  and  enliven 
the  scenery.  Week  after  week,  and  year  after 
year,  there  is  the  same  unvaried  routine  of 
parochial  duty  to  be  performed,  and  the  same 


84  MLSriSTEKIAL   LIFE. 

pulpit  to  be  occupied.  As  wit?i  the  husband- 
man, year  after  year  rolls  round,  each  bringing 
with  it  the  same  cares  and  labors  performed  in 
the  preceding  year.  Some  seasons  are  pro- 
pitious, causing  the  earth  refreshed  by  rains 
from  heaven,  and  stimulated  by  the  genial  rays 
of  the  sun,  to  produce  abundantly.  Other 
seasons,  parched  with  drought  or  chilled  with 
untimely  frosts,  are  barren  and  unproductive, 
when  perhaps  equal  care  and  labor  were  ex- 
pended. If  you  wish  to  know  whether  a  farmer 
has  been  industrious,  and  managed  his  concerns 
with  prudence,  or  otherwise,  you  must  view  his 
grounds  when  he  iirst  commenced  his  labors, 
and  at  the  close  of  a  laborious  life  notice  tlie 
improvements  he  has  made,  the  houses  and 
barns  he  has  built,  the  rocks  and  trees  he  has 
removed,  and  the  worn  out  fields  he  has  reno- 
vated. 

We  adopt  a  similar  method  in  reviewing  the 
ministerial  life  of  Mr.  Johnston — 

THE  FIELD  AT  THE  COMMENCEMENT  OF  HIS  LABORS. 

The  gospel  hqd  been  preached  in  New  Wind- 


SPIRITUAL   CHILDKEN.  85 

sor  at  an  early  period.  In  his  jonrnal  the  Rev. 
George  Whitefield  mentions  that  he  crossed  the 
Hudson  and  preached  at  Kew  Windsor.  "  At 
the  time  of  my  settlement,"  says  Mr.  Johnston,  "I 
found  two  aged  females,  who  considered  them- 
selves as  the  spiritual  children  of  Whitefield.  I 
attended  their  mortal  remains  to  the  grave,  the 
one  aged  ninety-five  and  the  other  ninety-seven. 
They  retained  their  mental  faculties  to  the  close 
of  life,  and  to  their  dying  day  a  cheerful  smile 
would  play  upon  their  countenance  as  soon  as 
the  name  of  Wliitefield  was  pronounced,"  The 
tradition  is,  that  the  Kev.  Francis  Peppard  was 
the  first  minister  who  regularly  preached  in  l!Tew 
Windsor.  We  have  no  account  that  he  was 
installed  pastor  of  that  church.  During  his 
ministry,  a  church  was  organized  September  5th, 
1766,  consisting  of  eighteen  members,  by  the 
Eev.  Dr.  Timothy  Johnes,  of  Morristown,  ISTew 
Jersey.  He  was  called  Dr.  Johnes,  because  he 
practised  medicine  as  well  as  preached  the  gos- 
pel. This  was  a  common  practice  with  several 
ministers  at  that  time  in  East  Jersey.  The  Kev. 
Jacob  Green  of  Hanover,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Ken- 


86  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

nedy  of  Baskenridge,  and  others,  sustained  the 
relation  of  pastor  and  physician  at  the  same  time. 
From  1773  to  1796,  including  the  trying  period 
of  the  Revolutionary  "War,  the  Rev.  John  Close 
preached  in  New  Windsor  and  in  the  neighbor-, 
ing  places,  although  he  was  not  installed  pastor 
of  the  church. 

The  early  records  of  the  church  in  New 
Windsor  were  so  imperfectly  kept  that  we 
do  not  know  what  was  the  success  of  his  minis- 
try ;  but  as  it  was  the  harassing  time  of  the 
Revolution,  we  are  led  to  believe  that  the  in- 
crease of  the  church  was  very  small.  Yet,  Mr. 
Johnston  testifies  that  he  found  there  some  aged 
persons,  eminent  for  their  piety,  but  not  one 
young  or  middle-aged  person  either  in  New 
Windsor  or  Newburgh,  who  was  a  member  of  the 
church.  These  congregations  were  for  some 
years  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 
York.  The  congregation  of  Newburgh  was  incor- 
porated under  the  statute  of  New  York  in  1784, 
but  no  church  was  organized  until  1796,  or 
perhaps  1798,  the  precise  time  cannot  be  as- 
certained.    Before  that  time,  the  members  of  the 


ISAAC   lewis;   JONATHAN   FKEEMAN.  87 

clmrcli  living  in  ISTewburgli  and  its  vicinity,  be- 
longed to  the  churcli  of  Kew  Windsor.  The 
first  record  which  we  have  of  a  meeting  of  the 
session  in  Newburgh,  was  the  26tli  of  April,  1799, 
at  which  the  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis  presided,  and 
William  Lawrence,  Abel  Belknap,  Gilbert  Jones, 
Daniel  Birdsall,  and  Thomas  Cooper  are  named 
as  elders  present. 

The  Rev.  Isaac  Lewis  was  stated  supply  of 
these  congregations  about  two  years,  and  during 
that  period  only  one  member  was  added  to  the 
church,  and  that  was  the  wife  of  Mr.  Lewis ;  and 
yet  Mr.  Lewis  was  a  faithful,  laborious,  and 
successful  preacher  in  other  locations  in  after 
life. 

The  Rev.  Jonathan  Freeman,  the  first  instal- 
led pastor,  labored  in  the  congregations  of  New- 
burgh  and  New  Windsor  from  the  5th  of  May, 
1801,  to  the  25th  of  April,  1804,  nearly  three 
years,  and  during  his  ministry  thirteen  members 
were  added  to  the  church.  He  was  an  able 
theologian  of  more  than  common  talents,  of  de- 
termined character,  sometimes  suff'ering  himself 
to  act  from  the  impulse  of  his  feelings  rather 


OO  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

than  from  deliberate  judgment.  He  engaged  in 
a  newspaper  controversy  which  embittered  the 
feelings  of  many  of  the  congregation.  Imprudent 
in  the  management  of  domestic  and  secular  con- 
cerns, he  became  involved  in  debt,  and  this  led 
to  his  sudden  removal.  Several  pieces  which  he 
published  show  the  character  of  his  mind,  and 
the  determined  course  which  he  was  wont  to 
pursue.  He  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  office 
in  Newburgh  and  New  "Windsor  by  the  Rev. 
Eliezer  Burnet,  ordained  the  20th  of  November, 
1805,  and  he  departed  this  life  on  the  22nd  day 
of  November  the  year  following,  so  that  his 
pastoral  office  continued  only  one  year  and  two 
days.  He  was  an  amiable,  pious,  and  devoted 
man,  of  a  feeble  constitution.  He  labored  under 
pulmonary  disease  at  the  time  of  his  ordination, 
and  a  few  months  after  his  settlement  he  was 
compelled  to  travel,  and  he  closed  his  days  on 
earth  at  the  house  of  a  friend  in  New  Brunswick. 
Six  members,  three  on  examination,  and  three 
on  certificate,  were  received  as  members  of  the 
church  during  his  pastorate.  As  above  stated, 
Mr.   Johnston    succeeded   Mr.   Burnet    in    the 


EXTENT   OF   HIS   CHARGE.  89 

charge  of  the  congregations  of  Newburgh  and 
New  "Windsor. 

These  congregations,  or  rather  the  people  who 
worshipped  in  Kew  Windsor  and  Newburgh, 
were  scattered  over  a  large  extent  of  country, 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Balmville  and  Foster 
Town,  by  Gardner  Town  and  the  Square  on  the 
west,  by  Cornwall  and  Canterbury  on  the  south, 
and  by  the  Hudson  on  the  east,  including  New 
Windsor  and  Newburgh,  as  well  as  the  villages 
above  named.  In  all  that  region,  at  least 
eight  miles  in  length  and  five  in  breadth,  there 
were  only  five  worshipping  assemblies,  viz. 
two  Presbyterian,  one  at  New  Windsor  and  one 
at  Newburgh  ;  the  Associate  Reformed,  under 
the  pastoi-al  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Schrimgeour, 
worshipping  in  a  building  in  the  south  part  of 
Newburgh  ;  and  two  Methodist,  one  meeting  in 
the  academy,  and  the  other  near  the  turnpike, 
west  of  New  Windsor.  None  of  these  conOTesa- 
tions  were  large,  although  there  were  many 
within  the  bounds  who  attended  public  worship 
nowhere.  In  the  church  in  Newburgh  there 
never  had  been  more  than  sixty-three  members. 
6* 


90  MINISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

A  few  aged  persons  among  these  were  eminently 
pious,  and  mourned  over  the  desolations  of  Zion. 
None  of  the  young  and  unmarried  part  of  the 
congregations  made  any  pretensions  to  piety.   In 
Newburgh  there  were  only  three  places  of  wor- 
ship— the  Presbyterian,  the  Associate  Reform- 
ed, and  the  Methodist — and  no  minister  residing 
there.      Mr.  Schrimgeour,  who  preached  part  of 
his  time  in  !Newburgh,  resided  in  !New  Windsor. 
In  Newburgh  there  was  the  frame  of  a  small 
house,  on  the  same  lot  where  the  Presbyterian 
church  now  stands,  and  without  galleries  or  pul- 
pit— the  minister  having  to  stand  on  a  carpenter's 
bench  placed  on  one  end  of  the  building.      The 
professors  of  religion  were  not  only  few  in  num- 
ber, but  the  minds  of  a  large  portion  of  the 
inhabitants   were   poisoned   with   inlidel   senti- 
ments. 
y-        At  the  close  of  the  last  century  and  the  be- 
ginning of  the  present  there  was  in  Newburgh 
a  regularly  organized  society  of  infidels,  who 
met  weekly  for  the  purpose  of  ridiculing  the 
Bible,  and  of  confirming  each  other  in  unbelief. 
They  assumed  the  name  of  "The  Druid  So- 


rNFIDEL   CLUB.  91 

ciety,"   and  were,   in  fact,   a   club   associated 
together  in  imitation  of  the  societies  of  the  lUu- 
minati,  at  that  time  common  in  Germany  and 
France.     They   invited   to   Newburgh   a  blind 
man,  of  the  name  of  Elihu  Palmer,  and  led  him 
to  the  academy,  to  deliver  to  them  weekly  lec- 
tures in  opposition  to  the  Bible.     This  Palmer 
was  an  apostate  Congregational  or  Presbyterian 
minister.     He  had  been  educated  at  Dartmouth 
college  by  charity,  with  a  view  to  the  gospel 
ministry.     He  preached  some  time  in  Pittsfield, 
Massachusetts,  and  then  removed  to  ISTewtown, 
Long  Island  ;   from  thence  he  went  to  Phila- 
delphia, preached  universal  salvation,  and  next 
gave  a  weekly  lecture  on  Druidism,  and  finally 
he  preached    deism,    or   atheism,    or  anything 
which,  in  his  opinion,  would  bring  the  Bible 
and  its  teachings  into  contempt.     This  man  was 
brought  to  Newburgh  under  a  promise  of  an      "^ 
annual  salary,  to  detail  from  Sabbath  to  Sab- 
bath the  opinions  of  Voltaire,  Paine,  Rousseau, 
Godwin,   and   others   of  the   same   stamp.     A 
weekly   infidel  paper   was   also    published    in 
Newburgh.      Paine's  "  Age  of  Reason,"   Tyn- 


92  MINISTEEIAL  LIFE. 

dal's  "  Christianity  as  Old  as  Creation,"  and 
other  books  of  the  same  kind,  were  reprinted, 
and  circulated  with  all  diligence.  These,  and 
similar  books,  were  fonnd  in  every  tavern,  or 
shop,  or  private  house  from  which  they  were 
not  positively  excluded.  These  men  had  also 
rooms,  where  obscene  prints  and  pictures  were 
exhibited  ;  and  young  persons,  and  even  chil- 
dren, were  invited  and  decoyed  to  view  these 
drawings,  which  were  generally  intended  to 
throw  ridicule  on  some  portion  of  sacred  his- 
tory. So  bold  and  outrageous  had  these  infa- 
tuated men  become,  that  on  a  Sabbath  after  the 
Lord's  Supper  had  been  administered,  they  col- 
lected at  a  spring  near  the  place  of  public  wor- 
ship, and,  in  mockery  of  what  had  been  done  in 
the  church,  gave  a  piece  of  bread  and  some 
water  to  a  dog,  using  the  words  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer,  when  he  instituted  the  holy  supper. 
It  ought  to  be  known,  that  the  principal  actor 
in  this  impious  transaction  did  not  long  survive. 
On  the  following  Sabbath  evening  he  was  found 
in  his  room,  with  the  door  locked,  apparently 
in  a  fit.    The  door  was  forced,  and  he  was  seen 


BEUTAL    ATTACK.  93 

lying  on  the  floor,  convulsed  with  awful  spasms, 
and  he  expired  without  being  able  to  utter  a 
word.  "Whether  he  had  taken  anything  with  a 
view  to  self-destruction,  or  whether  it  was  the 
immediate  act  of  God,  without  his  voluntary- 
agency,  we  know  not.  True,  a  good  man  may 
die  suddenly,  without  being  able  to  say  a  word 
to  surrounding  friends ;  but  the  proximity  of  the 
sudden  and  awful  death  of  this  man  to  the  im- 
pious transaction  of  the  preceding  Sabbath  leads 
the  mind  into  fearful  conjectures.  This  oc- 
curred in  July,  1799.  In  the  graveyard  in 
Newburgh  there  is  the  following  inscription — 

"  The  Tomb  of ,  who  died  July 

2d,  in  the  Year  of  the  Christian  Era  1799,  Aged 
34  Years." 

On  another  occasion,  a  clergyman,  after 
preaching,  was  attacked  by  a  fierce  dog,  set  on 
by  several  persons  belonging  to  the  Druid 
society.  For  a  time  it  seemed  as  if  these  infa- 
tuated men  had  determined  that  there  should 
not  remain  in  Newburgh  and  its  vicinity  a  ves- 
tige of  Christianity  ;  and  they  employed  every 
means    in    their    power    to    accomplish   their 


94:  MINISTEKIAL   LIE'E. 

object.     But  God,  in  mercy,  brought  to  naugbt 
their  wicked  counsels.* 

This  society  embraced  the  largest  number, 
and  made  the  most  vigorous  efforts  to  propa- 
gate its  doctrines,  between  the  years  1Y99  and 
1804,  but  many  of  its  members  were  still  living 
in  1806,  when  Mr.  Johnston  began  to  preach  in 
Newburgh  ;  and  the  poison  which  had  been  ad- 
ministered in  various  ways  was  rankling  in  the 
minds  of  the  young,  and  of  many  who  did  not 
profess  to  belong  to  the  Druid  society.  The 
means  which  had  been  used  to  check  the  influ- 
ence of  these  infidel  principles  were  not  judi- 
cious, and  tended  rather  to  increase  than  to 
diminish  the  evil.  There  were  two  weekly 
papers  printed  in  Newburgh,  one  called  "  The 
Temple  of  Reason,"  filled  with  sarcasms,  ridi- 
cule, and  ribaldry,  intended  to  bring  Chris- 
tianity into  contempt ;  the  other  a  political 
paper,  but  willing  to  publish  pieces  in  defence 
of  Christianity.  Two  or  three  writers  occupied 
the   columns   of  this  paper  for  several  weeks. 

*  See  Appendix  B. 


ESTFIDELITY.  95 

But,  however  sound  and  able  the  arguments, 
these  essays  seemed  to  add  fuel  to  the  unhal- 
lowed  flame   issuing   from    "  The    Temple    of 
Reason."     Ministers  who  occasionally  preached 
in  Kewburgh,  understanding  that  infidel  senti- 
ments were  prevalent   in   that  place,   thought 
they  ought  to  give  a  prominence  to  that  subject 
in  their  discourses,  supposing  that  if  they  said 
nothing  on  the  subject  it  would  be  an  indication 
of  cowardice.     Infidel  objections  to  divine  reve- 
lation were  stated  in  a  few  words,  and  a  long 
and,  in  the  opinion  of  the  speakers,  satisfactory 
answer  was  given.     The   result  was,    that   the 
brief   objections    were    remembered,    and    the 
labored   answers   forgotten ;    and    the    hearers 
would  retire  with  the  objections  fixed  in  their 
minds.     While  these  discourses  and  this  process 
was  going  on  Mr.  Johnston  was  absent  in  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania,   and   Maryland,  making 
only  a  few  brief  visits  to  his  friends  in  Orange 
county,  twenty  miles  distant  from  Newburgh, 
and  of  course  he  was,  in  a  great  measure,  igno- 
rant of  the  real  state  of  things  in  Newburgh 
when  he  concluded  to  fix  his  residence  in  that 


96  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

place.  His  friends,  wlio  were  better  acquainted 
than  be  was  with  the  irreligious  condition  of  the 
place,  were  greatly  distressed  when  informed 
that  be  intended  to  accept  a  call  from  New 
Windsor  and  Newburgh.  His  aged  mother 
wept,  and  besought  him  not  to  locate  himself  in 
that  wicked  place.  But  although  he  had  not 
accepted  a  formal  call,  he  had  placed  himself 
in  such  a  position  that  he  thought  he  could  not, 
without  a  dereliction  of  duty,  recede.  The  only 
word  of  approbation  which  he  received  from 
any  friend  was  from  Daniel  Bull,  the  father  of 
Mrs.  Johnston. 

In  view  of  the  irreligious  state  of  Newburgh, 
and  against  the  remonstrances  of  friends,  it  was 
a  sore  trial  to  adhere  to  the  pledge  he  had 
given,  and  to  sacrifice  himself  in  what  now 
appeared  a  hopeless  undertaking.  But  he  dared 
not  to  draw  back.  He  has  often  been  heard  to 
say,  that  if  he  had  known  the  irreligious  con- 
dition of  the  place  before  he  had  given  encou- 
ragement to  the  people  to  present  a  call,  his 
heart  would  have  failed  him. 

It  is  thus  that  the  Lord  often  conceals  from 


UNPEOMISING   FIELD.  97 

his  servants  the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  a 
work  to  which  he  calls  them,  lest  their  fears 
should  prevent  them  from  entering  the  field  of 
labor  designed  for  them.  Such  was  the  unpro- 
mising field  in  which  Mr.  Johnston  was  called 
to  commence  his  ministry.  It  was  not  from 
any  confidence  in  his  own  talents  or  acquire- 
ments that  he  determined  to  go  forward  and 
meet  the  gigantic  foe.  But  in  an  armor  as 
simple  and,  in  human  view,  as  inadequate  as 
that  with  which  David  met  the  Philistine  who 
defied  the  armies  of  the  living  God,  he  com- 
menced the  contest,  "  not  against  fiesh  and 
blood"  only,  "  but  against  principalities,  against 
powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high 
places." 


98  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 


CHAPTER  YI. 

His  first  discourses  after  ordination — The  way  he  treated  infi- 
delity, and  the  results — Pastoral  duties  during  the  first 
years  of  his  ministry — Catechetical  instruction,  and  Bible 
classes — Weekly  lecture — Revivals  in  1812-13,  in  1815-16, 
in  1819-20,  in  1824-25,  in  1831 — New  measures — Division 
of  the  synod  into  old  and  new  school — The  effect  on  vital 
pietj' — Revival  in  1843 — The  reasons  why  the  number  of 
church  members  did  not  increase — Dismissions  to  other 
churches  given  when  asked. 

The  portions  of  sacred  Scripture  with  which  Mr. 
Johnston  began  his  ministry  in  Kewburgh  indi- 
cate his  feelings,  and  the  source  from  which  he 
hoped  for  success,  and  also  the  means  which  he 
determined  to  employ  in  the  work  before  him. 

His  first  discourse  after  his  ordination  was 
founded  on  these  words  :  "  Brethren,  pray  for 
us  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free 
course,  and  be  glorified  among  you."  Implying 
that  he  had  no  confidence  in  his  own  strength, 


TREATMENT   OF   INFIDELITY.  99 

that  his  help  must  come  from  God,  and  that 
prayer  was  the  means  by  which  that  help  was 
to  be  obtained.  The  subject  of  the  second  dis- 
course was,  "  I  determined  to  know  nothing 
among  you  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified ;"  implying  that  his  fixed  purpose  was  to 
preach  the  simple  and  plain  truths  of  the 
gospel,  leaving  out  of  view  everything  extra- 
neous to  salvation,  through  the  merits  and  medi- 
ation of  a  crucified  Redeemer.  To  this  purpose 
we  can  say  that  he  strictly  adhered,  through  a 
long,  laborious,  and  successful  ministry  of  forty- 
eight  years. 

It  may  be  asked,  "  Did  he  not,  in  the  circum- 
stances in  which  he  was  placed,  feel  it  to  be  his 
duty  to  combat  and  refute,  by  solid  and  con- 
vincing arguments,  the  gross  infidelity  with 
which  he  was  surrounded?"  Not  at  all.  From 
the  beginning  he  determined  not  to  mention,  in 
the  pulpit,  the  words  deist,  or  atheist,  or  sceptic, 
or  druid,  or  free-thinker,  or  any  other  name  by 
which  the  enemies  of  Jesus  Christ  and  his 
gospel  are  designated ;  but  to  preach  Jesus 
Christ  and   him   crucified,   a   balm   for   every 


100  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

wound,  an  antidote  for  every  error.  He  re- 
membered that  John  Kewton  had  somewhere 
said,  that  "  the  best  way  to  prevent  an  empty 
cask  from  being  filled  with  bad  liquor  is  to  fill 
it  with  that  which  is  good."  And  "to  over- 
come error  you  must  keep  the  attention  of  the 
hearer  directed  to  the  truth." 

Mr.  Johnston  believed,  that  "  the  gospel  is  its 
own  witness ;"  that  its  plain  and  simple  truths 
find  a  response  in  every  human  heart ;  that 
every  man  who  reflects  feels  that  he  is  a  sinner, 
and  that  no  remedy  except  that  presented  in 
the  gospel  is  adequate  to  the  wants  of  his  soul. 
He  was  right.  There  is  a  correspondence  be- 
tween the  truths  revealed  in  the  Bible  and 
the  testimony  of  every  man's  conscience  who 
gives  the  subject  a  serious  consideration,  more 
convincing  and  satisfactory  than  all  logical 
arguments.  This  internal  evidence,  as  it  is 
justly  called,  has  in  many  instances  been  eftec- 
tual  in  convincing  and  converting  infidels,  when 
arguments  derived  from  other  sources  have 
utterly  failed.  Ply  a  man  with  arguments 
addressed  to  his  intellect,  and  he  will  find  some 


TEEATMENT   OF   INFIDELITY.  101 

way  to  elude  their  force  ;  but  let  his  conscience 
speak,  and  tell  him  that  he  is  guilty,  and  he 
cannot  escape  from  its  verdict.  He  is  self-con- 
demned, and  he  can  devise  no  subterfuge  ;  he 
is  then  prepared  to  listen  to  the  annunciation 
that  "  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners." 

Far  be  it  from  us  to  condemn  or  undervalue 
arguments  derived  from  the  fulfilment  of  pro- 
phecies, from  miracles,  from  the  testimony  of 
martj^rs,  from  the  triumphs  of  the  gospel  over 
paganism,  over  the  fury  of  the  populace,  and 
the  power  of  the  civil  magistrate.  Infidels 
ought  to  be,  and  they  have  often  been  ably, 
refuted  by  arguments,  derived  from  these  and 
similar  sources.  But  in  the  pulpit,  when  the 
speaker  addresses  a  promiscuous  audience,  ar- 
guments requiring  much  reading  and  deep 
reflection  to  be  appreciated,  are  seldom  of  any 
avail.  In  an  ordinary  congregation,  not  more 
than  three  or  four,  or  at  most  half  a  dozen,  of 
the  hearers  have  the  capacity  or  learning  sufli- 
cient  to  follow  a  long  train  of  argument.  But 
the  simple  truths  of  the  gospel  are  intelligible, 


102  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

both  to  the  learned  and  the  unlearned.  Both 
the  educated  and  the  uneducated  have  a  heart 
and  a  conscience,  and  they  can  understand  and 
feel  when  God,  in  his  word,  speaks  to  them  as 
accountable  beings,  responsible  to  him  for  their 
thoughts  as  well  as  for  their  words  and  actions. 
All  fair  and  honest  objections  which  may  arise 
in  the  minds  of  a  few  reflecting  hearers  ought 
to  be  removed.  But  this  can  be  more  effec- 
tually done  by  private  conversation,  or  by 
placing  in  their  hands  books  treating  of  subjects 
respecting  which  they  want  information.  Those 
few  who  require  their  intellect  to  be  satisfied 
need  as  much  as  others  the  gospel,  in  its  public 
ministrations,  to  be  brought  home  to  the  heart 
and  conscience.  And  unless  it  be  thus  brought 
home,  a  mere  historical  belief  that  the  Bible 
contains  a  revelation  from  God  is  of  little  avail. 
And  what  was  the  result  of  the  course  pur- 
sued by  the  pastor  in  Newburgh  ?  It  was  soon 
known  that  he  said  nothing  in  the  pulpit  re- 
specting deists,  or  atheists,  or  Druids,  or  their 
doctrines ;  that  he  preached  the  doctrines  and 
precepts  which  he  found  in  the  Bible.    "  Well," 


THE  KESULTS.  103 

said  these  free-thinkers,  "as  we  shall  not  be 
abused  and  held  up  to  public  odium  we  will  go 
and  hear  what  he  has  to  say."  And  the  greater 
part  of  them  did  occasionally  attend  public 
worship  ;  and  all  of  them,  except  two,  paid  the 
rent  of  pews  for  the  accommodation  of  their 
families,  and  so  contributed  to  the  support  of 
the  gospel  ministry.  And  this  is  not  all ;  the 
wives,  and  children,  and  descendants  of  several 
of  these  bitter  enemies  of  Jesus  Christ  and  his 
gospel  in  course  of  time  became  hoj)efully  pious, 
and  adorned  the  doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour 
by  holy  and  exemplary  lives.  The  lives  of  these 
men  were  generally  short,  and  the  few  who  lived 
to  the  ordinary  age  of  man  were  quiet,  and  said 
nothing  and  did  nothing  to  propagate  their  per- 
nicious principles.  There  may  yet  be  a  few 
who  privately  entertain  infidel  principles,  and 
who  read  infidel  books,  but  they  make  no  noise, 
and  attract  no  attention.  We  may  confidently 
afiirm,  that  now  and  for  several  years  past  there 
are  fewer  professed  infidels  in  Newburgh  than 
in  any  town  of  equal  population  in  the  United 
States. 


104:  MmiSTEKIAL   LIFE. 

We  return  to  the  consi'deration  of  the  pastoral 
duties  of  Mr.  Johnston.  During  the  first  two  or 
three  years  after  his  settlement  he  did  nothing 
more  than  attend  to  the  ordinary  duties  of 
the  pastoral  office,  and  no  remarkable  effects 
attended  his  labors.  He  preached  twice  on  the 
Sabbath,  visited  the  sick,  attended  funerals,  and, 
as  had  been  usual,  administered  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per twice  in  the  year.  After  some  time  he  com- 
menced a  course  of  lectures  on  the  Shorter  Cate- 
chism, and  after  that,  on  the  Confession  of  Faith 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  These  lectures  had 
a  salutary  effect  on  himself,  and  also  on  his  peo- 
ple. They  were  led  to  compare  the  doctrines 
taught  in  these  symbols  with  the  teachings  of  the 
Bible,  and  excited  to  inquire  on  the  subject  of 
religion.  He  also  had  catechetical  and  Bible 
classes,  and  he  encouraged  those  who  attended  to 
ask  for  explanations  of  difficult  passages,  and  if 
prepared,  he  gave  the  explanation  at  the  time, 
and  if  not  prepared,  he  postponed  an  answer  un- 
til the  next  meeting.  These  exercises  were  con- 
tinued, and  were  well  attended  until  Sabbath 
schools  were  introduced,  and  then  the  attendance 


FIRST   REVIVAL   IN   NEWBURGH.  105 

gradually  diminished,  and  finally  the  Bible  and 
catechetical  classes  were  broken  np,  and  the  rea- 
son assigned  was,  that  preparation  for  the  Sab- 
bath school  and  attendance  required  so  much 
time  that  both  could  not  be  attended.  Although 
he  valued  the  services  of  the  teachers  in  the  Sab- 
bath schools,  he  regretted  that  their  instructions 
prevented  him  from  having  a  direct  influence  on 
the  young  people  of  his  charge.  At  first,  he  had 
no  religious  services,  except  on  the  Sabbath. 
After  he  was  released  from  the  congregation  at 
New  Windsor,  he  commenced  a  prayer  meeting 
in  ISTewburgh  on  Thursday  evenings,  which  lie 
continued  until  the  close  of  his  ministry.  It 
was  at  first  held  in  private  houses,  and  in  a  short 
time  was  so  numerously  attended,  that  two  or 
three  rooms  were  fully  occupied.  A  lecture  room 
was  provided,  and  it  was  very  soon  filled  with 
anxious  worshippers ;  and  in  the  latter  part  of 
1812,  nearly  six  years  after  his  settlement,  the 
first  revival  ever  witnessed  in  Newburgh  com- 
menced. A  spirit  of  prayer  was  poured  out, 
and  an  unusual  solemnity  attended  those  social 
weekly  meetings.  This  was  the  first  of  seven 
6 


106  MINISTERIAL  LIFE. 

distinct  revivals,  which  it  was  the  privilege  of 
Mr.  Johnston,  during  his  ministrj,  to  witness 
among  the  people  of  his  charge.  It  was  the  in- 
tention of  Mr.  Johnston  to  write  a  full  account 
of  those  revivals ;  bnt  it  was  not  accomplished. 
We  shall  give  the  brief  notices  of  these  times  of 
refreshing,  which  we  find  in  various  parts  of  his 
mannscripts,  nearly  in  his  own  words.  Speaking 
of  the  meetings  in  the  session  room,  he  says, 
"  something  unusual  seemed  about  to  take  place. 
The  faith  of  the  people  of  God  was  a  little 
strengthened,  and  some  hopes  of  a  revival  of  reli- 
gion entertained.  As  far  as  I  could  learn,  such 
a  season  had  never  been  witnessed  in  this  con- 
gregation. Hevivals  of  religion  had  been  heard 
of,  but  few  among  the  people  had  ever  witnessed 
one.  Some  feared  that  a  revival  would  take 
place,  others  that  it  would  not.  A  few  additions 
had  been  made  to  the  members  of  the  church  at 
every  communion  season,  but  nothing  remark- 
able had  occurred.  Our  fears  and  our  hopes 
were  alternately  excited.  At  length  it  was  evi- 
dent in  the  latter  part  of  1812  and  the  beginning 
of  1813,  that  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  was  present 


REVIVALS.  107 

in  his  convicting,  converting,  and  comforting 
influences.  The  people  of  God  were  quickened  ; 
a  sinnt  of  prayer  was  felt.  It  was  not  then 
deemed  a  liardship  to  go  in  the  shades  of  the 
evening  to  meet  for  prayer,  though  there  was 
not  then  a  paved  or  flagged  sidewalk  in  the 
whole  village.  Mud  ancle  deep  was  not  deemed 
a  sufiicient  excuse  for  absence  from  the  prayer 
meeting.  The  remembrance  of  these  delightful 
evenings  is  still  pleasant.  They  are  gone ;  but 
the  sweet  savor  they  have  left  excites  feelings  of 
joy  in  the  past  and  desire  for  a  repetition  in 
time  to  come.  Preceding  this  revival  season,  one 
member  of  the  church  liad  turned  his  attention 
towards  the  gospel  ministry,  and  was  prosecuting 
his  pi'cparatory  studies  ;  and  during  this  revi- 
val, another,  who  is  now  (1854)  actively  en- 
gaged in  proclaiming  the  nnsearchable  riches  of 
Christ,  resolved  to  devote  himself  to  the  work  of 
the  Lord.  Another  brought  into  the  church  at 
this  period,  became  the  wife  of  a  missionary 
among  the  aborigines  of  our  own  countr3^  And 
two  of  the  converts  of  this  revival  were  after- 
wards set  apart  to  the  office  of  ruling  elders  in 


108  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

the  clinrch.     Surely  we  have  just  cause  of  grati- 
tude to  God  for  his  loving  kindness." 

"In  the  winter  of  1S15-1G,  another  pleasant 
season  was  witnessed.  The  attention  began  in 
the  neighb.'>rliood  of  '  the  Square,'  in  the  south- 
west part  of  the  congregation,  and  gently  extend- 
ed to  other  parts.  For  nearly  a  year,  after 
preaching  twice  in  Newburgh,  I  had  a  third  ser- 
vice on  the  Sabbath,  and  also  a  lecture  on 
Wednesday  evening  in  the  neighborhood  of 
'  the  Square.'  Persons  from  several  miles  around 
attended,  and  the  largest  dwelling  house  in  the 
neighborhood  was  not  sufficient  to  accommodate 
those  who  assembled.  I  well  remember  the  visi- 
ble and  real  interest  taken — the  frequent  con- 
versations with  individuals  after  the  regular  ex- 
ercises— ^the  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs,  accompanied  with  sobs  and  tears  while 
sung.  Then  was  a  time  of  love,  of  prayer,  and 
of  holy  joy.  The  inquiry, '  what  shall  I  do  to  be 
saved,'  was  succeeded  by  '  Come  all  ye  that  fear 
the  Lord,  and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath  done 
for  my  soul.'  While  one  said,  '  Come  let  lis 
go  np  to  the  courts  of  the  Lord,'  another  said, 


REVIVAL   OF    1819.  109 

'  I  will  go  also.'  The  meetings  were  often  con- 
tinued nntil  a  late  hour,  and  jet  I  found  no 
inconvenience  in  returning  home  alone,  five 
miles,  the  coldest  nights  in  winter.  It  was  a 
precious  season ;  the  remembrance  thereof  re- 
joiceth  my  soul.  We  had  an  addition  of  between 
fortj  and  fifty  to  the  church.  One  of  those 
called  from  the  world,  at  this  time,  is  a  preacher 
of  the  gospel,  and  another  a  ruling  elder." 

"ISTothing  special,"  continues  the  record,  "oc- 
curred during  the  four  succeeding  years.  About 
the  close  of  1819  and  the  beginning  of  1820,  the 
gracious  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  again 
manifested  in  the  conviction  and  conversion  of 
sinners.  In  some  respects,  that  was  a  season 
of  peculiar  interest.  There  seemed  to  be  a  gene- 
ral movement  among  the  dry-bones,  and  there 
stood  up*  as  the  result  of  this  reviving  time 
sixty  four  into  whom  the  Holy  Spirit  had 
breathed  the  breath  of  spiritual  life,  accompanied 
by  twenty-two  received  on  certificate  from  other 
churches.     Two  of  the  hopeful  converts  became 

*  See  Appendix  C 


110  MESriSTEKIAL   LIFE. 

ministers  of  tlie  gospel,  and  one  a  ruling  elder  in 
a  neighboring  clinrcli. 

"  A  season  of  spiritual  dearth  succeeded  this 
copious  shower.  In  the  fall  of  1824  I  obtained 
permission  to  preach  in  the  schoolliouse  near  the 
l^ew  Mill  on  the  afternoons  of  the  Lord's  Day. 
It  soon  became  evident  that  the  word  preached 
was  accompanied  with  the  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  The  interest  excited,  led  several  to  ask 
'  what  shall  we  do  to  be  saved  V  This  special 
meeting  was  continued  until  the  25th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1825,  when  thirteen  were  added  to  the 
church.  Twelve  of  the  thirteen  were  from 
the  little  group  of  houses  near  the  schoolhouse. 
Had  the  awakening  been  as  general  throughout 
the  congregation  as  around  the  l^ew  Mill,  more 
than  a  hundred  would  have  been  pricked  to  the 
heart.  The  sovereignty  of  God  was  manifested 
in  confining  the  work  of  grace  to  the  small  circle 
around  the  schoolhouse.  But  it  was  a  glorious 
sovereignty,  showing  how  God  can  accomplish 
his  purposes  of  mercy  towards  the  church.  One 
of  the  dozen  became  a  preacher  of  the  gospel, 
and  is  now  a  distinoruished  minister  in  the  Dutch 


REVIVAL   OF    1831.  Ill 

Ilelbrmed  Churcli.  How  mysterious  and  glorious 
are  the  dealings  of  the  Lord  !  The  Lord  reigns^ 
let  the  earth  rejoice.'''' 

"  The  3'ear  1831  was  distinguished  among  the 
churches  of  almost  all  evangelical  denominations 
for  revivals  of  religion.  In  conducting  them 
several  things  took  place,  and  several  innovations 
were  made  in  preaching  and  in  practice,  so  that 
this  period  became  proverbial  for  '  new  measures,' 
some  of  which  might  be  practised  and  some 
might  not.  Such  was  the  state  of  public  opinion 
in  reference  to  the  proper  method  of  conducting 
revivals,  that  it  became  necessary  to  comply  to  a 
certain  extent  with  prevailing  ideas.  Compliance 
on  our  part,  so  far  as  we  went,  proved  a  blessing, 
for  which  we  can  never  be  sufficiently  thank- 
ful. The  subject  was  laid  before  the  session,  and 
after  consultation  it  was  determined  to  have  a 
four  days'  meeting,  and  to  invite  the  attendance 
and  assistance  of  several  ministers,  whose  labors 
had  been  blessed.  Special  prayer  was  made  and 
continued  several  days  preceding  the  meeting. 
The  clergymen  who  were  invited  took  a  deep 
and  lively  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  congre- 


112  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

gation.  AVe  bad  preaching  in  the  church  three 
times  every  day,  preceded  by  a  prayer  meeting 
of  one  hour  immediately  before  entering  the 
house  of  public  worship.  The  morning  was 
ushered  in  with  the  voice  of  prayer.  The  word 
was  plainly,  faithfully,  and  judiciously  preached, 
and  it  became  quick  and  powerful — sharper  than 
a  two-edged  sword,  and  many  of  the  hearers 
were  pricked  to  the  heart.  An  awfully  solemn 
stillness  prevailed,  and  the  deepest  anxiety  was 
felt  for  the  result — it  seemed  like  a  week  of  Sab- 
baths. Never  can  I  forget  the  feelings  I  had 
when  one  of  the  preachers,  at  the  close  of  one  of 
his  sermons,  requested  all  those  who  had  a  desire 
to  have  conversation  respecting  their  soul's  salva- 
tion to  remain  after  the  blessing  was  pronounced. 
The  inquiry  in  my  mind  was, '  will  any  remain  V 
'who  will  remain?'  Theblessingwaspronounced — 
a  separation  began  to  take  place — some  remained 
— yea  many  remained.  The  spirit  of  the  Lord  was 
operating  on  the  minds  of  the  people  generally. 
While  many  remained  in  their  seats,  the  majority 
left  the  house  of  God.  We  have  reason  to  fear  that 
some  gi'ieved  away  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  compel- 


KEYIVAL   OF    1831.  113 

led  him  to  depart,  never  again  to  return.  Me- 
tliinks  I  can  yet  see  the  agitation,  the  struggle  to 
overcome  the  convictions  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
an  acceptance  of  Christ  and  the  blessings  of  his 
salvation — struggles  of  some  who  remained  as  to 
the  result  on  their  friends  who  left  the  place. 

"  Then  was  literally  repeated  what  took  place 
in  the  days  of  Malachi,  thousands  of  years 
before — 'They  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often 
one  to  anotlier.'  Then  was  the  spirit  poured 
forth,  and  the  work  of  the  Lord  prospered. 
Then  it  was  easy  to  preach,  and  then  there  were 
attentive  hearers.  Solemnity  rested  on  the 
minds  of  the  greater  part  of  the  hearers,  and 
very  few  were  found  to  call  in  question  the 
reality  of  the  work,  or  to  say  they  were  not 
affected.  God  was  carrying  on  his  work,  and 
man  was  compelled  to  say,  '  Great  and  mar- 
vellous are  thy  works.  Lord  God  Ahuighty.' 
The  fruit  of  this  revival  was  eighty-three  addi- 
tions to  our  church  on  examination,  and  twenty- 
two  on  certificate.  And  several  additions  w'ere 
made  to  other  churches,  whence  they  had  come 
to  see  and  hear,  and  went  away  to  rejoice,  and 
G* 


114  MINISTERIAL    LIFE. 

to  engage  in  tlie  service  of  the  Lord.  Of  those 
who  united  with  our  church  this  jenr  two 
became  ministers  of  the  gospel — one  a  Presby- 
terian, the  other  a  Methodist.  Another  com- 
menced studying  witli  a  view  to  the  gospel 
ministry,  and  his  health  tjiihng  engaged  in 
teaching,  and  is  now  at  the  head  of  a  flourish- 
ing female  school,  in  which  there  is  now  (1854) 
a  glorious  revival  of  religion.  Another  young 
man,  received  on  certificate,  after  spending  a 
year  and  a  half  in  the  theological  seminary  at 
Princeton,  apostatized,  and  was  excommuni- 
cated. One  became  a  ruling  elder ;  and  one  a 
deacon.  Of  the  females  who  united  with  our 
church  in  1831  five  became  the  wives  of  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel. 

"  The  records  of  the  session,"  Mr.  Johnston 
continues,  "  show  a  goodly  number  of  additions 
to  the  church  at  everv  succeedino-  communion 
season,  but  nothing  special  occurred  for  three 
years.  At  the  communion  season  in  1831  there 
was  an  addition  of  seventeen  ;  seven  of  these 
were  received  on  examination,  and  ten  on  cer- 
tificate.    This  fact  led  to  the  inquiry,  '  Why  is 


NEW    MEASURES.  115 

it  that  this  church  owes  her  increase  more  to 
the  piety  of  other  clmrches  than  to  her  own  V 
There  must  be  a  cause.  This  conviction  led  to 
self-examination,  to  greater  humility  and  en- 
gagedness  in  prayer,  and  to  an  endeavor  to  stir 
up  one  another  to  a  sense  of  our  situation  and 
duty.  In  the  month  of  March  it  was  resolved 
that  we  would  attempt  another  series  of  reli- 
gious exercises,  in  order  to  awaken  a  greater 
attention  to  the  subject  of  religion.  To  provide 
ministerial  assistance  I  went  to  New  York  and 
Brooklyn,  and  secured  the  co-operation  of  two 
or  three  of  my  brethren.  The  time  for  their 
coming  was  fixed.  Meetings  for  prayer  were 
appointed,  and  they  continued  every  evening 
for  a  week ;  and  the  attendance  was  greater 
than  usual. 

"  At  the  time  appointed  the  congregation  as- 
sembled ;  but  no  clerical  brother  was  present. 
I  felt  awfully  solemn,  in  the  view  of  having  to 
attempt  preaching  myself.  If  I  ever  realized 
my  dependence  on  God  it  was  at  that  moment. 
Like  minister  like  people.  We  all  felt  solemn, 
and  prayed,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  that 


116  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

God  heard  and  answered  tlie  prayers  that  were 
then  made,  for  while  we  were  yet  praying  the 
brethren,  who  had  been  detained  by  an  unfore- 
seen  event,   entered    the  house.     Our  unbelief 
was  rebuked  ;  our  laith  was  strengthened ;  our 
efforts  increased.     Tiie  brethren  went  to  work, 
and   that  for  several   days.     We  had  sermons 
and  prayers  morning,  noon,  and  night.    If  occa- 
sionally public  service  was  omitted,  it  was  to 
afford   an    opportunity   for    conversation   with 
those  who  desired  it,  while  at  the  same  time 
prayer  was  made  by  the  church.     Conversion 
followed   conversion,   and   a  precious    number 
were  able  to  speak  of  the  wonderful  displays  of 
God's   mercy   and   grace  to  them,  and  in  due 
time   to   take   up   their  cross,  and  publicly  to 
own  Jesus  Christ   as  their  Lord  and  Saviour. 
This  was  an  interesting  season,  and  ought  to  be 
remembered  with  gratitude,  and  greater  diligence 
and  zeal  in  the  service  of  our  blessed  Lord  and 
master  manifested.     Forty-one  were  received  as 
members  of  our  church — twenty-three  on  exa- 
mination ;  and  eighteen  on  certificate  from  other 
churches.      Of  these  one  is  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  and  two  ruling  elders. 


DIVISION   OF  THE   SYNOD.  117 

"  But  sncli  again  was  the  state  of  the  church, 
that  from  February,  1835,  to  November,  1836, 
only  seven  were  received  on  examination,  and 
forty-two  on  certificate.  One  of  the  seven  was 
only  thirteen  years  and  fourteen  days  old,  and 
he  is  now  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 

"  The  years  of  1837  and  1838  were  years  of 
great  agitation,  not  only  in  Kewbufgh  but  in 
the  Presbyterian  church  throughout  the  length 
and  breadth  of  the  United  States.  In  1837  the 
church  was  divided,  at  a  meeting  of  the  General 
Assembly,  into  what  has  since  been  called  "  the 
Old  School"  and  "  the  New  School,"  although 
the  separation  did  not  actually  take  place  with 
us  until  the  meeting  of  the  synod  of  New  York, 
in  October,  1838.  At  this  meeting  it  became 
necessary  that  each  one  should  decide  to  which 
division  he  would  belong.  It  should  be  re- 
marked, that  in  the  summer  of  1838  a  second 
Presbyterian  church  had  been  formed  in  New- 
burgh,  consisting  of  twenty -nine  members  dis- 
missed from  the  first  church,  with  the  cordial 
approbation  of  the  session  and  members  of  the 
church.     When  the  separation  into  the  Old  and 


118  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

New  School  took  place,  the  second  church  went 
with  the  New  School.  This  was  trying  to  our 
feelings,  and  also  to  the  feelings  of  several 
belonging  to  that  church  ;  and  at  our  next  com- 
munion we  had  applications  from  several  to  be 
reinstated  to  their  former  standing  among  us. 

"  When  the  synod  of  New  York  in  this  place 
was  divided  there  was  great  agitation,  not  only 
among  the  members  of  that  body,  but  also 
among  the  people  of  the  congregation.  "When 
the  vote  was  taken  there  was  a  death-like  still- 
ness. Eighty-seven  voted  to  go  with  the  Old 
School,  and  forty-one  with  the  New  School, 
and  fortj^-three  declined  to  vote  ;  so  that  the 
Old  School  had  three  more  votes  than  both  tlie 
other  two  sections. 

"  While  these  divisions,  each  claiming  to  be 
the  synod  of  New  York,  were  in  session,  there 
was  a  constant  passing  and  repassing  of  the 
people  from  one  place  of  meeting  to  the  other. 
Curiosity  was  excited  and  gratified,  but  the 
Holy  Spirit  was  grieved.  In  some  angry  pas- 
sions were  roused  ;  in  others  sorrowful  and 
depressed   feelings   prevailed,   and   vital   piety 


REVIVAL  IN    1843.  119 

languished.  The  result  of  the  unhappy  division 
in  the  Presbyterian  church  was  felt  for  several 
years.  Although  we  were  comparatively  free 
from  agitation  among  ourselves,  yet  the  periodi- 
cal publications  of  the  day  made  us  acquainted 
with  tlie  unpleasant  state  of  feeling  on  the  sub- 
ject in  other  places,  and  led  us  to  feel,  and  in 
some  things  to  speak  and  to  act,  perhaps,  unad- 
visedly ;  and,  in  the  end,  led  us  and  others  to 
mourn.  But  my  object  is  to  state  facts,  and  not 
to  make  comments,  and  I  dismiss  the  subject. 

"  In  1838  one  was  received  as  a  member  who 
is  now  a  missionary  in  Northern  India.  Three 
were  received  who  became  elders  in  other 
churches.  In  1839  several  additions  were  made 
to  the  church  on  examination  and  certificate. 
One,  who  was  afterwards  chosen  as  a  ruling 
elder,  but  died  before  the  time  appointed  for 
liis  ordination.  Two  became  elders  in  the 
church  in  ]N^ewbnrgh,  and  one  an  elder  in  a 
church  in  the  city  of  New  York.  Two  became 
preachers  of  the  gospel — one  a  Presbyterian, 
located  in  Pennsylvania ;  one  (a  colored  man)  a 
Methodist. 


120  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

"  In  1840-41-42,  several  additions  were  made 
to  onr  chnrch  membership.  One,  aided  by  onr 
funds  in  the  theological  seminary  at  Prince- 
ton, and  licensed  by  onr  presbytery,  is  now  a 
distinguished  preacher  in  one  of  our  cities. 
Another,  received  and  treated  in  the  same  way, 
has  been  several  years  a  pastor  of  a  Presbyte- 
rian chnrch  in  western  New  York.  One  an 
elder  in  this  chnrch,  and  one  an  elder  in  the 
city  of  New  York. 

"In  consequence  of  the  division,"  continues 
Mr.  Johnston,  "  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
into  the  Old  and  New  School,  the  organization 
of  the  second  church,  and  its  subsequent  seces- 
sion, the  passing  and  repassing  of  members 
from  the  Old  to  the  New  School,  and  from  the 
New  to  the  Old  School,  the  removal  of  several 
families  from  their  connexion  with  our  church 
to  another  in  the  village,  and  the  death  of  one 
of  our  most  active  elders,  ray  mind  was  greatly 
depressed,  and  the  state  of  religion  was  low. 
Pastor  and  people  were  discouraged ;  their 
hands  hung  down,  and  their  knees  were  feeble. 
Truly  I  can  say  it  was  to  me  a  day  of  darkness 


DAY   OF   PKAYEE.  121 

and  distress,  Althongli  I  am  not  conscious  of 
diminishing  the  number  of  religious  services 
usually  performed,  yet  these  services  were 
attended  with  an  indescribable  depression  of 
spirits.  Feelings  can  neither  be  weighed  nor 
measured,  but  he  who  made  man  well  knew 
that  under  a  smiling  countenance  and  cheerful 
appearance  there  lay  concealed  a  bowed  down, 
broken,  and  distressed  heart,  which  none  but 
God  knew  or  can  know.  Such  was  our  state  in 
1842. 

"  In  reviewing  the  state  of  the  church  in 
1843  we  find  an  addition  to  the  church  of  sixty 
members — forty-eight  on  examination,  and 
twelve  on  certificate.  We  are  naturally  led  to 
inquire,  '  What  means  were  used  previous  to 
this  large  increase  V  '  In  the  time  of  their 
afliiction,'  saith  the  Lord,  '  they  will  seek  me 
early  ;'  and  we  found  it  so.  AVe  were  made  to 
feel  our  dependence  on  God,  and  we  sought  his 
aid  by  prayer,  in  the  closet,  in  the  social  circle, 
and  in  public  assembly. 

"  In  the  month  of  February  we  observed  the 
day  appointed  for  prayer  in  behalf  of  colleges, 


122  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

and  academies,  and  schools,  in  order  that  more 
of  our  educated  youth  might  be  prepared  and 
disposed  to  engage  in  the  gospel  ministry.  The 
Eev.  ]Sr.  S.  Prime,  D.D.,  was  with  us,  and 
greatly  aided  in  the  services  of  the  clay,  and  in 
the  ministerial  labors  which  followed.  The 
season  was  solemn.  The  session  agreed  that  a 
season  of  special  prayer  should  be  observed, 
and  our  meetings  in  the  session  room  con- 
tinued, with  only  two  or  three  intermissions,  for 
more  than  seven  weeks.  Sometimes  we  met  for 
prayer,  sometimes  for  conversation,  and  gene- 
rall}'  to  mingle  our  sympathies  and  our  joys  for 
what  the  Lord  was  doing  among  us,  and  to 
encourage  each  other  to  perseverance  and 
Christian  duty.  When  the  stated  time  for  the 
communion  drew  near,  I  invited  Dr.  Prime  to 
be  partaker  of  those  festival  joys  which  he  had 
been  instrumental  in  producing.  He  came,  and 
had  his  own  soul  comforted,  while  he  was 
enabled  to  comfort  others  with  the  comfort 
wherewith  he  had  been  comforted  of  God. 
Thus  the  church  was  strengthened  to  trust  in 
the  Lord  ;    our  weak  faith  was  rebuked  ;   and 


GKATIFTmG  RESULTS.  123 

our  benevolent  feelings  increased  and  extended 
to  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whether 
thej  belong  to  us  or  to  others.  Two  of  those 
then  brought  into  the  church  have  since  been 
chosen  and  set  apart  to  the  office  of  ruling 
elders  in  this  church,  and  others  are  occupying 
important  stations  in  other  churches. 

"  Two  or  three  years  after  this  awakening  a 
particular  friend  of  the  church  inquired,  '  What 
was  the  Christian  conduct  of  those  who  were 
brought  into  the  church  in  1843  ?'  This  inquiry 
led  me  to  sit  down,  with  the  list  of  tlie  names 
before  me,  and  I  was  enabled  to  make  such  a 
reply  to  the  inquiry  as  was  highly  gratifj'ing  to 
my  friend  and  mj^self.  Perhaps  as  few,  if  not 
fewer,  cases  were  found  requiring  the  interfer- 
ence of  the  session  as  among  an  equal  number 
brought  into  the  church  on  any  former  occa- 
sion. The  church  was,  at  the  close  of  this 
revival,  in  a  pleasant,  peaceful,  and  united 
state." 

Here  we  cannot  withhold  the  remark,  that 
Mr.  Johnston  often  spoke  of  this  revival  with 
peculiar  interest.     It  came  at  a  time  when  it 


124:  BIINISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

"was  greatly  needed  to  cheer  the  desponding 
heart  of  the  pastor,  and  of  his  praying  people. 
He  had  the  co-operation  and  able  assistance  of 
his  tried  and  fast  friend,  the  Rev,  Dr.  Prime, 
lately  gone  to  join  his  brother,  where  prayer, 
and  faith,  and  preaching  are  not  needed,  to 
rejoice  together  in  the  retrospect  of  their  mu- 
tual labors,  and  to  enjoy  the  approving  smiles 
of  their  blessed  Redeemer. 

"  The  youngest  member  admitted  to  the 
church  was  nine  years  and  three  months  and 
twenty-three  days.  The  oldest  eighty  years. 
And  the  exercises  of  their  minds  were  various. 
In  general  there  was  a  deep  conviction  of  sin, 
commencing,  perhaps,  with  a  view  of  some  par- 
ticular sin,  and  extending  to  others,  and  finally 
leading  to  a  view  of  the  depravity  of  the  heart 
and  a  consciousness  of  entire  helplessness  and 
dependence  on  the  sovereign  mercy  of  God. 
Sometimes  there  was  terror,  and  apprehension 
of  divine  wrath  ;  sometimes  there  was  no  fear, 
but  merely  a  sense  of  sinfulness  in  the  sight  of 
God,  and  of  hardness  of  heart  and  distress 
because  they  were  not  alarmed.     Tlie  work  of 


BENEVOLENT   CONTRIBUTIONS.  125 

conviction  continued  a  longer  or  a  shorter  time, 
and  some,  nnder  remorse  of  conscience,  never 
obtained  peace  by  accepting  of  a  free  salvation, 
tlirongh  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  One 
yonng  woman  was  greatly  distressed  because 
she  had  no  conviction  of  sin. 

"In  the  year  1844  nineteen  were  added  to 
the  church — one  half  on  examination,  and  the 
other  half  on  certificates  from  other  churches. 
Since  1843  there  has  been  no  special  movement 
or  ingathering  into  the  church  worthy  to  be 
denominated  a  revival.  But  there  have  been 
additions  on  examination  at  almost  every  com- 
munion season,  though  the  greater  part  have 
been  on  certificates  from  other  churches.  There 
has  also  been  a  uniform  and  respectable  attend- 
ance on  public  worship  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  We  have  enjoyed  peace  and  quietness 
among  ourselves,  and  with  Christians  of  other 
denominations.  We  may  add  that  we  have 
done  something,  thougli  less  than  we  ought  to 
have  done,  for  the  glory  of  God,  by  contribut- 
ing of  our  worldly  means  to  send  the  gospel  to 
the  destitute  in  our  own  and  in  foreign  lands, 


126  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

as   well    as    aiding    various    other   benevolent 
objects." 

Such  is  a  brief  account  of  the  revivals  with 
which  the  Lord  blessed  the  labors  of  his  servant 
in  Newburgh,  selected  from  various  parts  of  his 
manuscripts.*  At  the  time  of  the  separation  of  the 
church  of  Newburgh  from  that  of  New  "Windsor 
there  were  only  thirtj^-seven  communicants  in  the 
church  of  Newburgh.  The  number  added  to  that 
church  during  his  ministry  we  have  not  been  able 
satisfactorily  to  ascertain.  It  must  have  been 
large.  From  statistical  reports  to  the  general  as- 
sembly it  appears  there  were  sometimes  as  many 
as  four  hundred  communicants.  In  late  years 
there  have  been  only  between  two  hundred  and 
fifty  and  three  hundred.  This  diminution  in 
numbers  did  not  arise  (as  is  evident  from  the 
additions  yearly  made)  from  a  decline  in  piety, 
but  from  the  migratory  character  of  the  inha- 
bitants. There  was  a  time  when  the  trade  of 
the  fertile  counties  of  Orange,  Ulster,  Delaware, 
and  Sullivan  centred  in  Kewburgh,  or  passed 

*  Some  tilings  peculiar,  respecting  members  of  the  church, 
will  be  found  in  Appendix  F. 


DISMISSALS   GEAJSTTED.  127 

tlirongli  it  to  jSTew  York.  Since  the  opening 
of  railroads  and  canals,  a  great  change  has 
taken  place  in  the  course  of  business.  Some, 
who  did  not  succeed  according  to  their  expec- 
tations, removed  to  new  settlements ;  others, 
who  had  increased  their  capital,  passed  down  to 
the  city  of  New  York,  the  great  emporium  of 
trade  ;  some,  for  want  of  accommodations  in 
the  Presbyterian  church,  went  to  other  churches 
in  Newburgh,  and  others  were  dismissed  to 
form  a  second  Presbyterian  church.  These 
movements  diminished  the  number  of  communi- 
cants and  impaired  the  strength  and  efficiency  of 
the  Presbyterian  church  in  Newburgh.  But 
these  changes  were  probably  the  means  of  pro- 
moting the  general  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  The  dismissed  members  carried  with 
them  the  previous  zeal  which  they  had  imbibed 
in  Newburgh,  and  formed  the  nuclei  around 
which  other  churches  were  collected.  Such 
facts  were  more  than  once  brought  to  the  know- 
ledge of  their  former  pastor,  and  rejoiced  his 
heart — and  in  the  spirit  of  the  forerunner  of  our 
Lord,  he  could  say :  "  lie  must  increase,  but  I 
must  decrease."     It  seems  to  be  the  order  of  the 


128  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

divine  government,  that  Christians  should  not  be 
collected  together  in  one  place,  but  be  scattered 
abroad  over  the  face  of  the  earth  as  the  husband- 
man sows  his  seed.  The  first  converts  to  Chris- 
tianity were  not  permitted  to  remain  long  in 
Jerusalem,  but  driven  by  persecution  to  various 
places,  they  conveyed  with  them  the  good  tidings 
of  salvation. 

It  may  as  well  be  remarked  in  this  connexion, 
as  elsewhere,  that  the  Session  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  in  Newburgh,  gave  without  hesitation,  a 
dismission  to  any  member  in  good  standing  who 
requested  it,  to  unite  with  any  other  church  in 
the  place.  This  liberal  policy  was  reciprocated 
by  all  the  churches  in  Newburgh,  except  the 
Episcopal.  On  the  first  application  for  a  dismis- 
sion from  that  church,  to  join  the  Presbyterian, 
the  applicant  was  informed  that  a  certificate  of 
dismission  was  in  such  cases  never  given,  and  if 
any  member  chose  to  leave  the  Episcopal  church 
on  his  own  responsibility  his  name  would  be  re- 
moved from  the  roll  of  communicants  without 
farther  censure.  After  this  announcement,  no 
certificate  was  asked  from  persons  coming  from 
that  church. 


THE  lord's  supper.  129 


CHAPTER  YII. 

The  means  used  to  watch  over  the  members  of  his  church,  and 
to  keep  himself  acquainted  with  the  state  of  his  congregation 
— Emmonism — Change  of  views  and  practice  in  baptizing 
children  and  adults — Re-baptizing  Roman  Catholics — Efforts 
to  educate  young  men  for  the  gospel  ministry — The  Wills  of 
Robert  and  Marion  Hall,  and  Gilbert  King,  establishing  the 
Ed  and  King  Scholarship  ia  the  Theological  Seminary  of 
Princeton — Ministers'  wives — Church  music. 

Mr.  Jolinson  did  not  labor  to  increase  the  mem- 
bers of  bis  cbnrcb,  and  then  leave  them  to  be 
governed  and  edified  by  the  general  instructions 
given  in  public  ministrations  of  the  word  and 
ordinances.  Like  a  good  shepherd,  he  watched 
over  his  flock,  and  applied  to  individuals  such 
attention  as  their  wants  required.  His  predeces- 
sors had  been  in  the  habit  of  administering  the 
Lord's  Supper  only  twice  a  year  ;  this  custom  he 
saw  cause  to  change,  and  he  administered  this 
ordinance  four  times  in  the  year,  once  on  a  fixed 
7 


130  MmiSTEKlAL    LIFE. 

day  in  every  quarter,  so  that  those  in  tlie  remote 
parts  of  tlie  congregation  who  from  age  or  in- 
firmity, or  any  other  cause,  could  not  attend  pub- 
lic worship  every  Sabbath,  might  know  the  season 
of  communion  and  make  arrangements  to  be 
present. 

Before  each  communion,  the  Session  met,  and 
the  roll  of  the  members  was  read  over,  and  if 
any  of  the  elders  knew  any  member  whose  con- 
duct or  state  of  mind  required  particular  atten- 
tion, it  was  made  known  to  the  pastor,  and  in 
this  way  he  was  kept  acquainted  with  the  wants 
and  circumstances  of  every  member  of  his 
church,  and  was  prepared  to  administer  such  con- 
solations or  reproofs  as  each  case  demanded. 
This  was  done  by  private  conversation,  in  which 
he  was  peculiarly  happ}^,  or  by  placing  in  the 
hands  of  individuals  such  tracts  or  books  as  were 
suited  to  the  case.  He  made  frequent  use  of  the 
publications  of  the  Assembly's  Board,  and  he 
often  spoke  of  tliese  books  as  an  inestimable 
blessing  to  his  people :  and  they  manifested  their 
estimation  of  the  value  of  the  work  by  liberal 
annual  contributions  to  sustain  it. 


EMMONISM.  131 

The  same  occasions  -were  also  improved  to 
ascertain  tLe  state  of  mind  or  conduct  of  those 
belonging  to  the  congregation  who  were  not 
members  of  the  church,  so  that  in  his  parochial 
visits  and  preaching  the  pastor  might  accommo- 
date his  conversation  and  preaching  to  the  condi- 
tion of  the  people.  This  practice,  when  conduct- 
ed with  prudence,  cannot  be  too  highly  recom- 
mended. It  excites  the  elders  to  vigilance  and 
care,  and  enables  the  pastor  to  adapt  his  instruc- 
tions to  the  wants  of  his  charge. 

At  one  period,  the  mind  of  Mr.  Johnston 
was  greatly  annoyed  and  perplexed  by  the  pecu- 
liar doctrines  of  Dr.  Emmons.  In  his  congre- 
gation there  was  one  man  of  considerable  intelli- 
gence,  who  had  fully  embraced  the  views  of  Em- 
mons, and  he  was  zealous  in  propagating  them 
by  conversation  and  by  circulating  books  on  the 
subject.  He  urged  with  great  importunity  on 
the  pastor  himself  these  sentiments.  Mr.  J.  was 
compelled  to  give  the  subject  a  full  examination, 
with  a  determination  to  follow  the  truths  of  the 
Bible  to  whatever  conclusions  they  might  lead 
him  :  at  the  same   time,  as  he  had  given  his; 


132  MINISTEBIAL   LIFE. 

assent  to  the  doctrines  contained  in  the  confes- 
sion of  faith  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  he  resol- 
ved that  he  wonld  preach  nothing  contrary  to 
that  standard  as  long  as  he  remained  a  minister 
in  that  church,  and  if  he  found  the  doctrines  in 
which  he  had  been  educated,  erroneous,  he  would 
withdraw  from  the  Presbyterian  church.  Such 
was  the  ingenuity  of  the  reasoning  of  Dr.  Em- 
mons, that,  admitting  his  premises,  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  resist  the  conclusion.  After  stating  his 
perplexities,  Mr.  J.  adds,  "  I  have  reason  to  be 
thankful  that  Dr.  Emmons  was  the  man  who  re- 
lieved me  from  my  perplexities  and  led  me  to 
a  settled  peace,  wliicli  has  never  been  disturbed 
from  that  time.  In  the  14th  sermon  of  one  of 
his  volumes  on  this  text — '  Be  it  known  unto 
you  men  and  brethren,  that  througli  this  man  is 
preached  the  forgiveness  of  sins,'  he  proposes  to 
show — 1st.  What  is  forgiveness;  2d.  What  is 
forgiveness  for  Christ's  sake ;  and  3d.  That  for- 
giveness is  the  only  blessing  we  receive  for 
Christ's  sake.  This  last  head  he  labors  at  great 
leugth,  and  then  proceeds  to  infer  that  forgive- 
ness is  the  only  blessing  we  receive  for  Christ's 


BAPTISM.  133 

sake  ;  that  sinners  are  not  justified  for  Christ's 
sake  ;  also,  that  it  is  wrong  for  ministers  to  direct 
sinners  to  Christ  for  faith,  repentance,  &c.  As  I 
read,  the  thought  flashed  on  my  mind — is  not 
Christ  exalted  to  give  repentance  as  well  as  the 
remission  of  sins  ?  Did  not  one  say  ? — '  Lord,  I 
believe  ;  help  thou  my  unbelief.'  Are  we  not 
justified  freely  by  his  grace,  through  the  redemp- 
tion that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ?-  I  will  believe  God, 
and  I  was  at  rest,  and  was  never  afterwards  dis- 
turbed by  the  subtleties  of  Dr.  Emmons  or  any 
of  his  followers." 

On  the  subject  of  baptism,  the  practice  of  Mr. 
J.  underwent  a  change.  We  give  a  statement 
on  this  subject  in  his  own  words.  "  When,"  saya 
he,  "  I  was  introduced  into  the  ministry,  I  had 
no  settled  principle  respecting  the  proper  sub- 
jects of  baptism.  In  tlie  congregation  where  I 
was  located,  it  was  usual  to  admit  persons  of 
adult  years  to  baptism,  who  refused  or  neglected 
to  come  to  the  Table  of  the  Lord.  It  was  also 
the  custom  for  parents  to  have  their  children 
baptized  when  neither  of  them  were  in  full  com- 
munion with  the  church.     My  pastor  in  the  days 


134  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

of  my  cliildhood,  the  minister  who  admitted  me 
to  the  communion  of  the  church,  and  the  profes- 
sors under  whom  I  studied  theology,  all  practised 
on  what  in  New  England  is  called  the  '  half-way 
covenant.'  I  commenced  and  continued  my 
ministry  in  the  same  way,  until  I  was  invited  to 
baptize  in  a  private  way  the  child  of  parents 
who  I  was  well  persuaded  were  not  only  im- 
moral, but  grossly  ipimoral,  though  it  was  not 
known  to  the  public.  My  conscience  condemned 
me,  and  I  resolved  I  would  not  do  the  like  again. 
To  fortify  myself  before  my  people,  1  preached 
several  sermons  on  the  nature  of  the  engage- 
ments, into  which  persons  who  offered  tlieir 
children  in  baptism  entered,  and  the  force  of 
these  obligations.  In  conclusion,  I  informed 
my  people  of  the  change  my  own  sentiments  had 
undergone — that  hereafter  I  would  baptize  no 
adult  who  was  not  prepared  to  become  a  member 
of  the  church  in  full  communion ;  and  that  I 
would  baptize  no  child  unless  one  or  both  of 
the  parents  were  members  of  the  church  in  full 
communion.  I  moreover  stated  that  I  wished 
every  one  carefully  to  examine  the  subject,  and 


BAPTISM.  135 

if  any  one  after  examination  was  still  of  the  opi- 
nion that  the  former  practice  was  right,  I  was 
willing  to  exchange  with  any  brother  minister 
who  thought  it  right  to  practise  as  we  had  here- 
tofore done.  I  do  not  recollect  that  I  ever 
had  a  serious  application  from  any  of  my  people 
to  depart  from  my  determination.  In  one  or 
two  cases  another  minister  came,  and  without  my 
knowledge  administered  baptism  to  a  few  child- 
ren. The  parents  honored  my  candor  and  took 
no  offence."  "Whether  this  change  in  sentiment 
and  practice  was  right  or  wrong,  it  manifested 
great  tenderness  of  conscience,  and  also  Christian 
prudence  in  making  the  change  in  such  a  way 
as  not  to  alienate  the  minds  and  affections  of  his 
people. 

In  another  particular  touching  baptism  Mr. 
Johnston  differed  from  the  usage  of  many  in  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  from  the  decision  of 
the  General  Assembly  in  the  following  way  : — 

A  missionary  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Hudson,  located  in  Buenos  Ayres,  wrote  to 
his  Presbytery  to  direct  him  what  to  do  in 
the  case  of  persons  entering  the  Protestant  from 


136  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

the  Eoman  Catholic  church.  The  Presbytery 
was  divided  in  opinion,  and  referred  the  subject 
to  the  Synod  of  New  York.  The  Synod,  after  dis- 
cussing the  subject  two  days,  referred  it  to  the 
General  Assembly,  and  the  General  Assembly 
decided  that  such  persons  ought  not  to  be  re-bap- 
tized— chiefly  on  the  ground  that,  although  that 
church  was  grossly  corrupt  in  doctrine  and  prac- 
tice, it  still  maintained  some  fundamental  doc- 
trines of  the  gospel,  and  had  in  its  communion 
many  pious  persons,  and  ought  to  be  regarded  as 
a  church  of  Christ.  Mr.  Johnston  viewed  that 
church  in  a  different  light ;  and  great  as  his 
respect  was  for  the  decisions  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, he  re-baptized  in  several  cases  persons 
coming  from  the  Roman  church  and  entering  the 
Presbyterian. 

The  great  object  Avhich  occupied  the  mind  and 
interested  the  heart  of  this  good  man,  next  to  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  people,  was  the  prepara- 
tion of  young  men  for  the  gospel  ministry.  He 
believed  that  if  he  could  be  the  means  of  bring- 
ing forward  young  men  of  piety  and  talents,  and 
of  preparing  them  for  the  work  of  the  Lord,  he 


TOUIT*   MEN.  137 

would  do  more  good  than  lie  could  do  in  any- 
other  way ;  and  we  are  happy  to  say  that  in  thia 
respect  his  efforts  were  eminently  successful. 
Whenever  he  found  a  young  man  in  his  church 
of  piety  and  promising  talents,  he  talked  to  him 
on  the  subject,  and  if  he  was  doubtful  respecting 
the  talents  of  any  one  who  was  desirous  of  devot- 
ing himself  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  made 
trial  of  his  gifts  and  capacity  to  receive  mental  ^ 
culture  by  giving  him  instruction  for  a  short 
time,  and  when  he  came  to  a  favorable  conclu- 
sion he  encouraged  his  pupil  to  commence  a 
regular  course  of  study.  Some  of  the  young 
men  who  studied,  were  able,  through  the  means 
of  their  parents  and  friends,  to  pay  the  expenses 
of  their  own  education  ;  others  were  poor,  and 
had  no  means  of  support  except  the  labor  of 
their  hands.  In  the  latter  case  their  pastor 
assured  them  that  means  would  be  provided  if 
they  showed  themselves  worthy  of  support.  He 
did  what  he  could  himself,  and  his  good  people 
were  not  slow  to  follow  his  example.  The 
females  of  his  charge  were  induced  to  form  cent 
societies,  and  sewing  societies,  and  reading  socie- 
7* 


138  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

ties,  and  from  these  little  circles  clothing  was 
provided,  and  money  collected  to  pay  for  tuition, 
and  perhaps  boarding  was  furnished  by  parents 
while  their  sons  were  preparing  to  enter  college. 
By  the  aid  of  the  Assembly's  Board  of  Educa- 
tion, and  other  societies,  Mr.  Johnston  devised 
ways  and  means  to  support  several  through  a 
full  course  of  collegial  and  theological  studies. 
In  one  case  it  is  known  to  us  that  Mr.  J.,  with  a 
family  of  ten  children  of  his  own,  took  the  son  of 
a  poor  man  who  had  removed  to  the  West,  board- 
ed, and  clothed,  and  paid  tuition  bills,  until  the 
youth  was  fitted  for  college,  receiving  from  the 
Board  of  Education  only  sixty-five  dollars  a  year. 
Among  his  manuscripts  we  find  the  names  and 
a  brief  history  of  twenty-two  members  of  his 
church,  who  became  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and 
some  of  them  missionaries  in  heathen  and  foreign 
lands.  Others  are  occupying  places  of  usefulness 
in  our  own  country.  Of  all  who  were  encou- 
raged to  prepare  for  the  gospel  ministry,  only 
one  turned  out  badly.  This  young  man  had 
been  received  on  certificate  from  another  church, 
and  was  only  a  short  time  a  member  of  the 


THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY.  139 

Presbyterian  cliurch  of  Kewburgh.  That  so  few 
disappointed  the  hopes  of  their  patron,  is  a  proof 
of  a  sound  judgment  in  making  the  selection.  Be- 
fore the  time  of  Mr.  J.,  not  one  young  man  in  the 
congregations  of  Newburgh  and  Kew  Windsor 
had  turned  his  attention  to  the  ministry  ;  indeed, 
there  was  no  unmarried  person,  male  or  female, 
belongino:  to  eitlier  of  these  churches  when  he 
took  charge  of  them.  So  fully  was  our  departed 
brother  convinced  of  the  importance  of  a 
thorough  education,  that  he  encouraged  no  one 
to  seek  the  ministry  who  had  not  determined  to 
take  a  full  course  of  literary  and  theological 
studies.  When  a  proposition  was  sent  down 
from  the  General  Assembly  to  the  Presbyteries 
to  ascertain  whether  or  not  it  was  their  wish  to 
establish  a  theological  seminary,  every  member 
of  his  Presbytery,  except  himself,  voted  against 
the  proposal.  He  saw  the  importance  of  such 
an  institution,  and  he  advocated  it,  and  from 
that  day  until  his  death  he  was  its  firm  and 
zealous  supporter.  Through  his  instrumentality 
two  scholarships,  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars 
each,  were  founded  in  the  seminary  at  Prince- 


140  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

ton,  and  tlie  nomination  of  those  who  should 
have  the  benefit  of  these  scholarships  was  vested 
in  the  Session  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church 
in  JSTewburgh,  So  that  when  a  young  man,  a 
member  of  that  church,  was  prepared  to  enter 
the  Seminary,  provision  was  ready  for  his  sup- 
port. In  this  way,  several  useful  and  some 
distinguished  ministers  of  the  gospel  have  been 
carried  through  a  full  course  of  theological 
study ;  and  as  the  interest  only  of  the  scholar- 
ships is  expended,  the  same  process  may  be  con- 
tinued until  it  shall  not  be  necessary  for  "  one  to 
say  unto  another  know  the  Lord,  for  all  shall 
know  him  from  the  greatest  to  the  least." 

One  of  these  scholarships  was  founded  by 
Robert  Hall  and  his  sister  Marion.  They  were 
natives  of  Scotland,  had  been  brought  up  under 
the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  John  Brown  of  Hadding- 
ton, and  had  been  employed  a  great  part  of  their 
lives  in  teaching  in  Scotland  and  in  this  country. 
When  Mr.  Johnston,  of  whose  church  they  were 
members,  understood  they  wished  to  dispose  of 
their  property  for  the  education  of  pious  young 
men   for    the    gospel    ministry,   he    suggested 


SCHOLAKSHIPS.  141 

establishing  a  scholarship  in  the  theological 
seminary  at  Princeton ;  and  it  was  done,  and 
the  money  was  paid  by  the  executors  to  the 
treasurer  of  the  General  Assembly.  As  there  is 
something  peculiar  in  their  Will,  we  give  the 
following  extract.  "  "We  give  and  bequeathe 
twenty-five  hundred  dollars  to  the  Eev.  John 
Johnston,  the  Eev.  Joseph  McCarroll,  Mr.  John 
Forsyth,  and  Mr.  John  Beveridge,  all  of  the 
town  of  J^ewburgh,  county  of  Orange,  and  state 
of  ITew  York,  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them, 
their  heirs,  executors,  administrators,  or  assigns, 
for  ever  for  the  use  of  and  in  trust  for  the  trustees 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  in  the  United  States  to  be  applied  to  the 
benefit  of  the  theological  seminary  of  the  said 
church,  and  now  located  at  Princeton,  in  the 
state  of  New  Jersey.  Further  it  is  our  will  that 
this  sum  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars  be  funded 
by  the  trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
that  the  interest  alone  be  annually  expended. 
And  whereas  after  a  life  of  nearly  four  score 
years  (much  of  which  has  been  spent  in  examin- 
ing the  word  of  God)  we  are  fully  satisfied  of 


142  MINISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

the  correctness  of  the  doctrines  of  religion  as  laid 
down  in  the  confession  of  faith,  the  larger  and 
shorter  catechisms  drawn  up  by  the  "Westminster 
Assembly  of  Divines,  and  as  held  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States,  we  desire  that  the  scholarship 
which  is  endowed  by  this  bequest  of  $2500,  shall 
be  called  the  Ed*  Scholarship,  as  a  witness  be- 
tween us  and  the  theological  seminary,  that  the 
Lord  he  is  God  agreeably  to  said  confession  of 
faith  and  catechisms.  Further  it  is  our  will 
that  the  professors  in  said  seminary  be  careful 
that  no  person  holding  sentiments  inconsistent 
with  tlie  confession  of  faith,  larger  and  shorter 
catechisms,  be  ever  admitted  to  the  benefit  of 
said  scholarship.  And  further  it  is  our  will  that 
the  session  of  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in 
ISTewbnrgli,  county  of  Orange,  and  state  of  New 
York,  possess  the  right  of  naming  the  student 
who  shall  enjoy  the  benefit  of  said  scholarship, 
provided  he  be  received  into  the  seminary 
agreeably  to  the  restrictions  of  the  former  para- 

*  Joshua  xxii.  34. 


SCHOLARSHIPS.  -        143 

graph."  It  was  a  subject  of  pleasure  to  these 
pious  people  to  think  on  their  deathbed  that 
their  property  would  be  aiding  in  educating 
ministers  after  they  were  dead  and  gone.  They 
are  interred  side  by  side  in  the  common  bury- 
ing ground  in  Newburgh.  The  old  lady  said, 
if  anything  was  put  upon  her  head-stone,  it 
should  be,  "  To  know  as  I  am  known  ;  I  know 
not:  but  I  am  ganging  to  know." 

Mr.  Gilbert  King,  a  member  of  the  church  in 
Newburgh,  at  the  suggestion  of  his  pastor,  also 
endowed  a  scholarship  in  the  seminary  at  Prince- 
ton, giving  the  Session  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
in  Newburgh  the  right  of  naming  the  beneficia- 
ries. This  scholarship  became  productive  in  1837. 
Mr.  King  came  from  Long  Island  to  Orange 
county,  New  York,  and  for  many  years  followed 
the  business  of  shoemaking.  Having  sold  a  small 
farm  on  which  he  lived  in  the  country,  he  came 
to  Newburgh  that  he  might  enjoy  the  privileges 
of  the  gospel.  lie  became  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  spent  the  evening  of 
his  days  in  communion  with  God  and  his  people. 


144:  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

His  remains  are  interred  in  the  old  cliurcli  grave- 
yard in  Newburgh. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  Princeton,  until  his  deatli,  Mr. 
Johnston's  whole  heart  was  engaged  for  its 
interests,  and  through  his  influence  his  people 
contributed  liberally  every  year  for  the  support 
of  the  professors,  before  professorships  were  en- 
dowed, as  well  as  for  other  wants  of  the  institu- 
tion. In  1817,  he  was  chosen  a  director,  and  he 
continued  a  director  until  his  death,  being  re- 
elected every  third  year.  He  punctually  attend- 
ed the  meetings  of  that  Board,  and  was  often  one 
of  the  examining  committee  at  tlie  close  of  the 
sessions. 

Believing  that  the  Christian  training  of  young 
females  was  not  less  important  than  that  of 
young  men,  Mr.  Johnston  took  special  care  to 
give  their  minds  such  a  direction  as  would  pre- 
pare them  for  usefulness  in  the  church  of  God. 
And  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  and  worthy  of  notice, 
that  eighteen  members  of  his  church  were  mar- 
ried to  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  three  of  that 
number  went  as  missionaries  to  heathen  lands. 


CHEISTIAN  TKAmiNG.  145 

In  the  memoranda  before  us,  we  have  the  names 
and  a  brief  history  of  the  eighteen  females  who 
were  intimately  connected  with  the  interests  of 
the  church.  Where,  we  may  ask,  has  any 
church  under  the  ministry  of  one  man  furnished 
so  many  laborers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard  ? 

Mr.  Johnston  had  a  taste  for  music,  and  he 
considered  singing  one  of  the  most  delightful  and 
profitable  parts  of  public  worship.  His  own 
children  had  fine  voices,  and  he  took  care  that 
they  should  be  cultivated  in  the  best  manner. 
In  his  daily  family  worship  the  singing  was 
charming,  and  his  daughters  aided  greatly  in  the 
music  of  the  public  sanctuary.  "We  give  his  own 
account  of  this  part  of  worship,  when  he  came  to 
Newburgh,  and  of  its  improvement : — "  When," 
says  he,  "I  took  charge  of  the  congregation,  an 
old  gentleman,  one  of  the  elders,  was  leader ; 
he  had  neither  voice  nor  taste,  was  ignorant  of 
all  the  rules  of  music,  and  his  performance  was 
sufficient  evidence  of  all  this.  A  music  teacher 
was  afterwards  employed,  and  he  led  the  music 
during  his  continuance.  When  he  left  we  were 
as  ill  ofi'  as  ever,  nay  worse  ;  for  some  began  to 


14C  MINI8TEKIAL   LIFE. 

see  and  feel  the  necessity  of  cultivating  cliurcli 
music,  and  began  to  complain  of  its  performance 
in  public  worship,  A  bass-viol  was  presented  by 
a  member  of  the  church,  on  condition  it  would  be 
used  in  public  worship.  A  choir  was  formed,  and 
the  viol  was  used,  and  the  congregation  was  well 
pleased.  Unfortunately,  however,  a  good  old 
Scotcli  woman,  who  had  been  delighted  with  the 
music  for  several  Sabbaths,  one  day  going  out  of 
the  church,  happened  to  see  the  bass-viol,  and 
was  horrified.  She  came  to  see  me  on  Monday 
morning,  complimented  me  for  my  sermon,  but, 
said  she,  all  the  good  impressions  it  made  were 
driven  out  of  my  head  by  the  vile  thing  I  saw  in  the 
gallery — and  then  with  much  feeling  she  exclaim- 
ed : — '  Oh !  Mister  Johnston,  did  I  think  I  would 
ever  live  to  see  a  fiddle  in  the  house  of  God  V 
She  took  her  departure,  and  she  never  again 
united  with  us  in  public  worship.  The  bass-viol 
was  continued  for  several  years  in  connexion 
with  the  choir.  At  length  the  viol  was  dropped, 
and  the  choir  leads  the  music  to  the  present 
time  (1852),  and  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying 
we  have  the  best  performance  in  church  music 


CHUKCH  jrosic.  14:7 

of  any  congregation  in  the  circle  of  my  acquaint- 
ance. And  this  also  has  been  the  testimony  of 
clergymen  and  others  who  have  worshipped 
with  us." 


148  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 


CHAPTER  YIIL 

Efforts  to  organize  a  Second  Presbyterian  church  in  Newbiirgh 
— Extract  of  an  address  on  that  subject — ^The  result — The 
Second  church  becomes  New  School,  and  is  dissolved 
— The  increase  of  churches  in  Newburgh — Improvement  in 
morals — Drs.  Brown  and  McCarroll — The  extent  of  the  ori- 
ginal Presbytery  of  Hudson — Vacant  congi-egations  and 
supplies — Hudson  Presbytery  divided,  and  North  River 
Presbytery  formed — Bedford  Presbytery  formed  from  North 
River  Presbytery — Two  New  School  Presbyteries  formed 
from  these — Increase  of  ministers — Punctuality  in  attending 
Presbytery  and  other  judicatories  of  the  church — Four- 
teen times  a  Commissioner  to  the  General  Assembly — A  de- 
legate to  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut  and  of 
Massachussets — A  delegate  to  the  General  Association  of  New 
Hampshire  and  General  Convention  of  Vermont — Biogra- 
phy of  140  ministers — Records  of  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess 
— Elected  a  Trustee  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey — The  de- 
gree of  Doctor  in  Divinity  conferred. 

An  extract  from  a  discourse  delivered  to  his 
people  early  in  1838,  will  show  the  state  of 
things  and  the  wishes  of  the  pastor  : — "  Permit 
me  to  call  your  attention  to  a  particular  subject, 


A   SECOND   PKESBYTEEIAN    CHURCH.  149 

and  which  has  long  pressed  heavily  on  my  mind 
— I  mean  the  organization  of  a  Second  Presby- 
terian church.  On  this  subject  I  have  often 
spoken  in  public  and  in  private,  and  I  have  as 
often  met  with  objections  and  a  backwardness  to 
engage  in  the  work.  The  consequence  has  been, 
that  while  other  congregations  have  arisen  and  in- 
creased,  ours  has  remained  stationary.  I  do 
therefore  beg  leave  once  more  to  state  my  views, 
and  to  solicit  your  candid  attention. 

"  In  the  first  place  I  premise  that  I  am  not 
conscious  of  being  actuated  in  this  matter  by 
any  ill  will  towards  any  Christian  denomination 
in  this  place  ;  I  can  honestly  say  that  I  wish 
them  all  well,  and  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  learn 
that  God  is  glorified  in  these  diff'erent  churches, 
in  the  purity,  prosperity,  and  increase  of  their 
members.  But  I  am  a  Presbyterian,  and  as  such, 
I  have  a  partiality  towards  the  Presbyterian 
church,  and  in  saying  so,  I  express  towards  her 
the  feeling  of  others  towards  the  church  of  their 
choice.  Their  preference  is  seen  in  the  course 
pursued,  and  so  should  mine  and  yours  be  also. 
Let  us  now  look  at  a  few  facts.     When  I  came 


150  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

to  this  place  tliirtj-one  years  ago,  our  house  of 
public  worship  had  no  gallery,  and  was  not  so 
large  as  it  now  is,  and  of  coiu-se  it  could  not  ac- 
commodate as  many  as  it  now  does.  I  very 
well  remember,  that  in  the  summer  after  I  came, 
benches  had  to  be  introduced  into  the  aisles  to 
accommodate  the  hearers.  The  number  of  hearers 
increased  so,  that  the  second  year  a  gallery  was 
erected,  and  the  house  was  finished,  and  the  con- 
gregation then  called  for  the  whole  of  my  time. 
The  year  following  I  was  released  from  the  con- 
gregation of  New  "Windsor,  and  the  house  was 
again  filled  ;  and  I  appeal  to  some  of  the  aged  if 
they  do  not  remember  the  numerous  congrega- 
tion that  was  in  attendance  from  Sabbath  to 
Sabbath.  The  Episcopal  church  then  went  up, 
and  this  took  away  our  surplus  members  ;  and 
it  was  only  a  year  or  two  before  we  found  our 
want  of  seats.  Then  the  Associate  Heformed 
church  was  erected  in  the  place  where  it  now 
stands,  and  several  of  our  congregation  went 
there,  as  accommodation  could  not  be  had  with 
us.  The  Covenanter  church  went  up,  and  took 
from  us  several  of  our  uumber.     Our  church  ad- 


A    SECOND   PKESBYTEEIAN    CHUECH.  151 

mitted  of  being  enlarged  and  altered,  so  as  to 
accommodate  a  larger  audience  than  heretofore. 
This  enlargement  was  made  ;  and  when  the  seats 
were  disposed  of,  there  were  fourteen  families 
that  were  not  accommodated.  Some  of  these 
found  places  by  sharing  a  pew  with  others,  and 
some  left  the  congregation.  This  occurred  ten 
years  ago  ;  the  consequence  has  been  that  no  in- 
crease in  the  congregation  could  take  place,  for 
if  a  family  came  in  another  must  go  out.  Thus, 
for  want  of  room,  many  who  gave  a  preference 
to  the  Presbyterian  church,  were  compelled  to 
go  to  places  of  worship  where  they  had  not 
intended  to  go.  This  is  a  difficulty  which  has 
prevented  people  from  making  Newburgh  their 
residence.  I  could  name  a  very  respectable 
man,  who,  in  convei'sation  with  me,  assigned  this 
very  thing  as  the  reason  of  not  locating  his 
family  in  this  village.  I  do  verily  believe  that 
several  churches  in  this  place  have  received  addi- 
tions, and  have,  to  a  considerable  extent,  been 
built  up  of  materials  that  wished  to  remain 
Presbyterian.  I  have  known  families  to  remain 
for  years   without  forming  a   connexion   with 


152  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

other  chnrcbeSj  and  afterwards  were  disappoint- 
ed in  their  wishes.  Applications  are  still  made 
from  time  to  time,  without  success.  Only  think 
of  this  congregation,  tlie  same  now  as  to  num- 
bers that  it  was  twenty-nine  years  ago,  while  the 
population  of  the  place  has  increased  more  than 
three-fold.  Churches  of  other  denominations  are 
springing  up  and  multiplying,  and  the  Presby- 
terian remains  the  same.  ]^ow,  other  denomi- 
nations are  not  to  be  blamed  ;  they  are  to  be 
commended — the  fault  is  ours ;  we  are  the  suf- 
ferers. We  have  not  the  same  stimulating  causes 
to  urge  us  forward ;  exertions  are  not  made  to 
bring  in  those  who  do  not  attend  any  place  of 
worship  ;  and  if  they  were  made  where  can  you 
offer  them  a  seat  ?  Individuals  may  feel  anxious 
to  enlarge  our  borders,  but  i^i  order  to  success 
there  must  be  concert  and  union.  Again,  look 
at  the  effect  on  the  young  and  rising  generation. 
They  are  not  called  to  activity  and  exertion  in 
the  cause  of  Christ,  and  they  grow  up  in  ignor- 
ance of  their  privileges  and  duties  ;  and  if  stirred 
to  do  something  they  must  seek  some  other 
place.     While  an  opportunity  is  given  them  to 


FAMILY   TRANSITIONS,  153 

exert  themselves  in  other  enterprises,  none  is 
furnished  for  exertion  to  build  up  the  church  of 
God,  unless  tliey  go  out  from  their  father's 
liouse. 

"There is  another  evil  arising  out  of  dur  supiue- 
ness.  We  are  insensibly  changing  the  ecclesias- 
tical relation  of  our  families.  Here  is  a  parent 
with  a  rising  family  sufficiently  numerous  to  fill 
his  seat;  a  son  is  married,  and  no  place  is  found 
for  his  accommodation.  He  has  been  accustom- 
ed to  attend  public  worship — (for,  my  hearers, 
this  is  a  church-going  people)  but  where  shall  he 
go  ?  He  must  leave  the  house  in  which  he  was 
brought  up,  and  the  mode  of  worship  that  he  pre- 
fers, and  unite  with  another  people.  In  due 
time  another  member  of  the  family  is  in  the 
same  situation,  and  after  awhile  the  entire  family 
is  gone.  I  could  name  families  where  this  pro- 
cess is  going  on,  and  where  the  result  before  long 
will  probably  be  as  we  have  stated.  The  wealth 
of  this  congregation  is  greater  than  that  of  any 
other  in  the  place,  and  enough  could  be  spared 
without  any  inconvenience  to  establish  another 
congregation  on  a  foundation  that  would  promise 


154  MINISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

permanence  and  usefulness.  Moreover,  there  is 
talent  and  capacity  for  usefulness  beyond  what 
is  demanded  in  one  congregation,  and  which 
needs  only  to  be  brought  into  operation  to  be 
useful.  Furnish  the  opportunity,  and  the  result 
will  rejoice  your  hearts.  But  it  is  one  thing  to 
urge  the  accomplishment  of  an  object,  and  an- 
other to  point  out  how  it  can  be  done.  Before  I 
proceed,  permit  me  to  say,  after  a  pastoral  rela- 
tion of  thirty-one  years,  I  can  here  bear  testi- 
mony to  your  kindness,  and  the  expressions  of 
that  kindness  both  to  myself  and  to  my  family  ; 
and  while  I  desire  ever  to  feel  a  deep  sense  of 
your  kindness,  I  am  not  conscious  of  a  wish  to 
be  disconnected  from  any  family  in  the  congre- 
gation. If  it  be  the  will  of  God  that  my  useful- 
ness may  continue  as  long  as  I  remain  on  the 
earth,  I  desire  to  live  and  die  with  you ;  but  if 
the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  re- 
quire it,  I  am  ready  to  part  with  any  number  of 
families  that  may  choose  to  withdraw  and  unite 
in  building  up  a  second  Presbyterian  church, 
"With  these  remarks  I  submit  my  plan.  Let 
there  be  encouragement  given  to  the  younger 


GLORIOUS    EIVALSniP,  155 

part  of  the  congregation  to  engage  in  this  noble 
enterprise.  Here  are  young  men  commencing 
tlie  business  of  life — they  are  young,  active,  and 
enterprising ;  let  them  have  an  opportunity  of 
exerting  themselves  in  laying  up  durable  trea- 
sures in  helping  forward  the  kingdom  of  Christ. 
Here  are  rich  individuals  who  have  sons,  or 
nephews,  or  friends  ;  say  to  them  : — '  subscribe 
a  thousand  or  five  hundred  dollars,  or  any  other 
handsome  sum,  and  I  will  pay  it.  What  I  want 
is,  that  you  take  an  active  part  in  building  up  a 
second  Presbyterian  church  and  congregation.' 
Oh !  how  do  you  know,  but  that  God  will  make 
this  the  means  of  enlisting  the  energies  of  your 
sons  in  the  noblest  work,  and  of  leading  them  to 
the  Saviour  ?  Thus  you  may  prepare  the  way 
for  them  to  do  good,  while  you  remain  where 
you  are.  But  it  may  be  said,  those  churches 
will  become  rivals.  Rivals  !  "What  a  glorious 
rivalship — sons  endeavoring  to  outdo  their 
fathers  in  building  up  the  kingdom  of  the 
blessed  Redeemer  !  Relatives  vieing  with  each 
other  for  the  honor  of  brino-ino;  the  irreatest  num- 
ber  of  souls  to  a  saving  and  eternal  relationship 


156  ItnNTSTEEIAL   LIFE. 

to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Here  it  seems  to  me 
are  a  great  many  young  men  who  are  waiting 
for  an  opportunity  of  engaging  in  the  work  of 
the  Lord.  Now  it  will  not  do  to  say  to  children 
and  young  persons,  go  ! — but  we  must  sa}^,  here 
is  a  portion  of  the  goods  which  I  intend  for  you, 
and  it  is  my  wish,  that  the  first  fruits  of  my 
bestowment  should  be  consecrated  to  the  Lord. 
Oh !  my  friends,  it  will  afford  you  satisfaction  in 
a  dying  hour,  to  reflect  that  a  part  of  the  property 
which  the  Lord  has  given  you,  has  been  thus 
consecrated  to  his  service.  Should  such  an  en- 
terprise be  now  attempted,  I  hope  to  see  a 
young  man  settled  as  a  «o-presbyter,  and  I  shall 
look  for  aid  from  him  in  building  up  the  church 
of  God.  Let  me  say,  I  greatly  desire  to  see  an- 
other Presbyterian  church  in  this  place  before  I 
go  hence.  This  subject  was  under  consideration 
last  year,  and  approved  by  the  officers  and  such 
of  the  congregation  as  were  present  at  the  meet- 
ing for  consultation,  yet  nothing  was  done. 
Let  us  try  once  more." 

This    was    a    noble    and    effective    address, 
worthy    the    occasion,     and    characteristic    of 


THE   RESULT.  157 

tlie  man  who  delivered  it.  He  utters  no 
expression  of  envy  or  jealousy  on  account 
of  the  increase  and  success  of  other  church- 
es, but  rather  of  congratulation.  He  indi- 
cates no  narrow,  selfish  desire  to  retain  as  large  a 
number  of  hearers  and  supporters  as  possible. 
He  is  willing  and  desirous  to  resign  the  young 
and  hopeful  part  of  his  charge,  provided  the 
kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  be  extended  and  built 
up  according  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline 
which  he  believes  is  most  in  harmony  with  the 
word  of  God.  The  result  of  this  eifort  was,  that 
a  second  Presbyterian  congregation  was  organ- 
ized, and  twenty -nine  members  of  the  old  church 
were  dismissed  to  form  the  beginning  of  the  new. 
As  has  been  already  stated,  a  majority  of  this 
church  and  congregation  after  the  division  of  the 
Synod  into  the  Old  and  New  schools  at  New- 
burgh,  voted  to  connect  themselves  with  the  lat- 
ter. Some,  dissatisfied  with  this  arrangement, 
returned  to  their  former  place,  and  some  went  to 
other  churches.  The  first  pastor  of  the  second 
church  M'as  the  Eev.  William  Hill,  installed 
October  the  19th,  1841,  and  he  was  deposed  in 


158  MINIBTEKIAL    LIFE. 

1844,  by  his  Presbytery,  for  streniionsly  maintain- 
ing that  perfection  in  holiness  was  attainable, 
and  was  actually  attained  by  believers  in  this 
life.  The  Rev.  John  Gray  succeeded  as  a  stated 
supply,  and  after  three  or  four  years,  left.  The 
congregation  was  involved  in  a  heavy  debt,  and 
their  house  of  worship  was  sold,  and  is  now  oc- 
cupied by  the  Second  Methodist  Society.  Since 
the  time  of  Mr.  Johnston's  settlement,  the  num- 
ber of  places  of  public  worship  in  ISTewburgh  has 
increased  four-fold,  and  there  has  been  a  cor- 
responding improvement  in  morals  and  piety. 
There  are  very  few  families  in  the  place  that  are 
not  nominally  connected  with  some  religious  so- 
ciety. The  Sabbath  is  decently  observed.  The 
streets  are  quiet,  and  the  people  generally  attend 
some  place  of  public  worship.  The  taverns  are 
better  regulated  than  in  many  places ;  respect- 
able hotel  keej^ers  refuse  to  sell  intoxicating 
drinks  to  inhabitants  of  the  place  on  any  day  in 
the  week,  consequently  there  is  no  lounging  in 
the  bar-rooms  and  carousing  at  night,  disturbing 
the  rest  of  travellers  and  boarders.  Open  inii- 
delity  has  disappeared.  Universalists,  Unitarians, 


IMPROVEMENT   IN   MORALS.  159 

Mormons,  and  similar  sects,  have  no  foothold  in 
I^ewburgh ;  and  if  it  were  not  for  the  Roman 
Catholics,  who  came  to  the  place  to  labor  on 
railroads,  and  at  the  wharves,  very  little  profane 
swearing  would  be  heard  in  the  streets.  The 
people  of  ISTewbnrgh  are  a  church-going  and  a 
moral  people ;  such  was  formerly  not  the  fact. 
Infidel  publications  were  scattered  there  broad- 
cast ;  intemperance,  and  drinking  to  intoxication, 
even  at  funerals,  was  not  uncommon  ;  the  Lord's 
Day  not  regarded,  and  children  without  instruc- 
tion or  restraint  permitted  to  run  in  the  streets 
on  that  sacred  day.  We  are  far  from  claiming 
for  any  one  man,  the  honor  of  this  reformation 
and  increase  of  piety.  To  Mr.  Johnston  belongs 
the  honor  of  commencing  the  work,  and  of  con- 
tinuing longer  in  the  field  than  any  other.  Able 
and  faithful  coadjutors  of  other  denominations, 
in  the  progress  of  time,  came  to  his  aid,  and 
labored  with  him  harmoniously  and  successfully 
in  pulling  down  the  strongholds  of  Satan, 
and  in  building  up  the  kingdom  of  Christ.* 
More  than  fifty  Protestant  ministers  preached  a 

*  See  Appendix  D, 


160  MINISTERIAL    LIFE. 

longer  or  a  shorter  time  in  Newburgh  during  the 
ministry  of  Mr.  Johnston,  and  he  never  had  a 
quarrel  or  angry  word  with  one  of  them.  To- 
wards the  close  of  life,  he  often  spoke  of  the  un- 
interrupted harmony  and  friendship  that  existed 
between  himself  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Brown, 
of  the  Episcopal  church,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Joseph  McCarroll,  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
church.*  With  the  former  he  lived  and  preached 
in  the  same  village  thirty-nine  years,  and  with 
the  latter  thirty-three  years. 

We  have  seen  the  progress  of  piety  and  good 
morals  in  the  first  Presbyterian  church,  and  also 
in  the  village  of  Newburgh  ;  let  us  look  at  the 
Presbytery  of  Hudson,  and  the  region  over  which 
it  extended.  This  Presbytery,  at  the  time  Mr. 
Johnston  became  a  member,  extended  from  the 
bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Albany  on  the 
north  to  Manhattan  island  on  the  south,  and 
from  the  border  of  Connecticut  on  the  east  to  the 
Delaware  river  on  the  west.  In  this  extensive 
region,  in  1 807,  there  were  only  six  settled  Presby- 
terian ministers,  and  two  superannuated  without 
charge  ;  and  there  were  a  large  number  of  small 

*  See  Appendix  E. 


PUNCTUALITY.  IGl 

congregations  vacant.  The  Presbytery  had  no 
licensed  preachers  under  its  care  ;  tliese  congre- 
gations must  be  left  without  hearing  the  gospel, 
or  ministers  who  had  charges  of  their  own  must 
occasionally  leave  their  people  and  preach  in 
these  destitute  places.  At  the  semi-annual  meet- 
ing of  Presbytery,  as  many  as  two  or  three  ap- 
pointments were  made  for  eacli  minister,  and  he 
was  required  to  report  at  the  next  meeting 
whether  or  not  he  had  fulfilled  them.  Mr,  John- 
ston seldom  failed — not  long  before  his  death 
he  recorded  that  in  forty-eight  years  he  had  not 
three  times  disappointed  the  people  to  whom  he 
had  promised  to  preach.  Frequently  he  had  to 
go  on  horseback  through  rain  and  snow,  a  consi- 
derable distance,  to  fuliil  these  appointments. 
Sometimes  he  was  absent  four  or  five  days  in  ful- 
filling an  appointment. 

In  1S12,  he  was  sent  by  his  Presbytery  as  a 
missionary  to  spend  tliree  or  four  weeks,  near 
what  was  called  the  Cook-house,  now  Port  De- 
posit. After  travelling  sixty  miles  he  came  to 
the  Delaware,  at  Coshocton,  crossed  the  river, 
and  rodo  up  the  river  forty  or  fifty  miles,  and 
8* 


162  MINISTEEIAL    LIFE. 

preached  in  several  places.  The  country 
through  which  he  passed  was  wild  and  dreary. 
In  one  place  he  went  twelve  miles  through  the 
woods  without  seeing  a  house  or  the  mark  of  an 
axe.  He  felt  gloomy  ;  but  when  he  came  to  the 
place  where  Brainard  had  preached  to  the 
Indians,  his  heart  revived,  when  he  compared 
the  privations  and  labors  of  tliat  devoted  man 
with  his  own.  On  his  way  up,  he  lodged  with  a 
widow  lady,  with  whom  he  had  an  interesting 
conversation.*  During  his  journey,  it  rain- 
ed incessantly  for  two  days,  yet  he  proceed- 
ed and  fulfilled  his  appointments.  On  his 
return  he  put  his  horse  on  a  raft  of  timber  pre- 
pared for  the  Philadelphia  market,  and  came 
with  great  rapidity  forty  miles  down  the  river 
near  to  the  place  where  he  had  crossed  going  up. 
This  journey,  he  remarked,  gave  him  some  idea 
of  the  hardships  and  sufferings  of  those  who  com- 
mence settlements  in  new  countries  of  a  mission- 
ary life. 

Returning    from    this    excursion    and    from 
preaching  in  other  destitute  places,  he  usually 

*  See  Appeudix  Q. 


PEESBTTERY   OF   HUDSON.  163 

felt  dejected,  believing  his  labor  was  all  lost. 
He  seemed  like  a  man  who  scattered  good  seed 
in  an  uncultivated  forest,  and  who  left  it  to  rot, 
or  to  be  picked  up  by  birds,  or  to  be  choked  by 
surrounding  vegetation.  But  his  unbelief  was 
rebuked  by  learning  before  ho  left  the  world 
that  happy  results  had  followed  in  a  few  cases 
where  no  success  was  anticipated.  And  it  is  not 
improbable  that  many  more  of  the  same  kind 
will  be  ascertained  where  he  is  now  gone.* 

In  1819,  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson  had  so  in- 
creased that  a  division  was  thought  necessary. 
The  Hudson  river  was  to  form  the  general 
boundary.  But  in  order  to  make  the  parts  more 
equal,  three  ministers  (of  which  Mr.  Johnston 
was  one)  and  three  congregations  on  the  west 
side  of  the  river  were  connected  with  the  eastern 
division  called  "  The  North  Biver  Presbytery." 
A  few  years  after  the  Presbytery  of  Bedford  was 
formed  from  the  southern  part  of  the  Presbytery 
of  the  North  River.  "When  the  division  into  the 
Old  School  and  New  School  in  1838  took  place, 
two  New  School  Presbyteries  were  formed  with- 

*  Bee  Appendix  H. 


164:  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

in  the  bounds  of  tlie  original  Hudson  Presbytery. 
And  instead  of  six  or  eight  ministers,  as  was  the 
case  in  1807,  there  were  in  1854  eighty-nine 
settled  ministers  or  stated  supplies.  And  with- 
in the  bounds  of  the  "North  River  Presbytery" 
there  were  no  vacate  congregations.  IIow  great 
tlie  change  during  the  ministerial  life  of  one 
man  !  In  attending  the  meetings  of  Presbytery 
and  other  judicatures  of  the  church,  Mr.  John- 
ston was  a  model  of  puncluality.  At  an  early 
period  he  was  appointed  stated  clerk  of  the  Pres- 
bytery, and  he  seldom  failed  to  be  present  at 
the  hour  appointed,  bringing  the  records  of  the 
Presbytery  with  him.  He  was  fourteen  times  a 
commissioner  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  he  never  failed  to 
attend,  and  we  find  among  his  manuscripts  a  re- 
cord of  the  transactions  of  that  body. 

In  1814,  he  was  chosen  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly a  delegate  to  attend  the  General  Association 
of  Massachusetts  ;  and  again,  in  1826,  he  was 
appointed  by  the  same  body  a  delegate  to  the 
General  Association  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the 
General  Convention  of  Yermont.     In  both  cases 


AID   TO   MISSIONAEIES.  165 

he  travelled  on  horseback,  called  on  many  dis- 
tinguished clergymen,  and  visited  the  principal 
towns  and  cities  in  New  England.  He  left  a 
jom*nal  of  these  tours,  in  which  many  interesting 
facts  are  recorded. 

The  large  heart  of  this  good  man  was  not  con- 
fined to  the  limits  of  his  own  congregation  or 
Presbytery,  or  even  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  church.  His  benevolence  em- 
braced the  whole  family  of  man.  He  was  the 
ardent  friend  of  foreign  and  domestic  missions  ; 
within  his  appropriate  sphere  he  successfully 
labored  to  promote  them,  whether  conducted  by 
his  own  or  other  denominations.  When  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Foreign 
Missions  commenced  sending  the  gospel  to 
foreign  and  heathen  lands,  Mr.  Johnston  brought 
the  subject  before  his  people,  and  secured  their 
liberal  and  efficient  aid.  He  did  the  same  also 
in  regard  to  the  American  Education  Society. 
At  one  time  he  entertained  for  several  days,  and 
lodged  in  his  garret  (the  spare  rooms  in  his  house 
being  occupied  by  other  guests),  five  or  six 
Indians  on  their  way  from  their  homes  in  the 


166  MINISTERIAL  LIFE. 

wilderness  to  a  school  established  for  them  in 
Cornwall,  Connecticut. 

In  several  cases  missionary  families,  under 
the  direction  of  the  A.  B.  C.  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, were  entertained  and  helped  forward  on 
their  way  by  the  liberality  of  his  congrega- 
tion. 

Through  the  contributions  of  his  congregation, 
and  of  individuals  belonging  to  it,  he  received 
more  than  a  dozen  of  certificates  of  life  member- 
ship in  different  benevolent  religious  societies. 
By  the  same  means  his  name  is  enrolled  as  a  life 
member  of  all  the  boards  in  the  Presbyterian 
church.  Besides  these  contributions  for  objects 
of  general  interest,  agents  for  colleges,  academies, 
and  churches  frequently  visited  Newburgh,  and 
always  received  more  or  less.  If  every  congre- 
gation in  the  Presbyterian  church,  through  the 
influence  of  its  pastor,  would  contribute  as  libe- 
rally as  did  the  congregation  of  Newburgh,  there 
would  be  no  need  of  agents  going  from  place  to 
place  to  stir  up  the  people  to  the  performance 
of  their  duty.  The  treasury  of  our  boards  would 
be  full,  and  the  demands  of  our  growing  popula- 


INTERESTING   MEMORANDA.  1&7 

tion  supplied.  In  connexion  with  contributions 
for  domestic  and  foreign  missions,  the  monthly 
concert  of  prayer  was  regularly  observed  by  the 
church  in  Newburgh,  believing  that  prayer  and 
giving  the  means  of  sending  the  gospel  to  the 
destitute,  should  always  be  connected — 'that  the 
one  without  the  other  was  of  little  avail. 

At  home  and  abroad,  Mr.  Johnston  made  notes 
of  passing  events,  so  that  from  his  memoranda 
dates  of  many  events  otherwise  not  to  be  found 
might  be  ascertained.  Some  of  these  memoran- 
da we  shall  insert  in  the  Appendix  (I).  Among 
his  manuscripts  we  find  a  book  of  one  hundred 
and  thirty-three  closely  written  pages  containing 
an  account  of  one  hundred  and  forty  ministers, 
with  some  of  whom  he  had  been  connected  in 
Presbytery.  Few  of  them  were  alive  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  and  the  greater  part  of  them  had 
changed  their  location,  some  of  them  more  than 
once.  And  every  congregation  in  his  Presbytery 
had  changed  their  minister,  some  of  them  four 
or  five  times.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  it  is  be- 
lieved, there  was  no  Presbyterian  minister,  nor, 
perhaps,  of  any  denomination,  in  the  State  of 


168  MESriSTEElAL   LIFE. 

New  York  who  had  preached  so  long  to  the 
same  people. 

The  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess, 
extending  from  1762  to  1795,  after  its  dissolution 
were  providentially  found  and  rescued  from 
oblivion  by  Mr.  Johnston.  These  records  ought 
to  be  in  the  hands  of  the  Historical  Society  ot 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  From  these  records, 
and  from  other  authentic  sources,  Mr.  Johnston 
has  written  a  brief  account  of  several  ministers 
connected  with  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess. 
Yid.  specimen  in  Appendix  I.  • 

In  1840,  the  subject  of  this  notice,  unexpected- 
ly and  greatly  to  his  surprise,  was  elected  a 
trustee  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey.  He  had 
not  sought  nor  anticipated  the  honor  of  so  re- 
sponsible an  office.  It  was  amusing  to  hear  him 
tell  with  child-like  simplicity  his  astonishment 
on  reading  in  the  well  known  handwriting  of  the 
clerk  of  the  Board,  the  announcement  of  this  ap- 
pointment, "  I  could  not,"  said  he,  "  believe 
my  own  eyes.  Is  it  possible  that  I  who  was 
once  a  poor  ploughboy,  am  invited  to  be  a 
guardian  of  that  venerable  institution,  which  has 


DOCTOR   OF   DIVmiTT.  169 

educated  some  of  the  most  distinguished  men, 
whose  names  adorn  the  annals  of  our  country  ?" 
Those  who  knew  the  man  will  not  say  that  this 
was  affected  humility.  It  was  an  honest  expres- 
sion of  what  he  really  and  truly  felt.  Afterwards, 
when  he  took  his  seat  at  the  Board,  the  same 
feelings  attended  him.  "  I  have'often,"  said  he, 
"  looked  round,  and  saw  myself  surrounded  with 
some  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  the  state 
and  neighboring  cities,  the  governor,  the  judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  the  lawyers,  the  professors 
of  the  theological  seminary,  the  ministers  of  the 
gospel :  and  I  have  covered  my  fece,  and  shed 
tears  at  the  thought  of  my  unworthiness  of  such 
a  seat." 

As  an  evidence  of  the  estimation  in  which  he 
was  held  by  the  community.  La  Fayette  College 
in  1848  conferred  on  this  unassuming  man,  the 
honorary  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity.  It  is 
not  known  whether  he  ever  accepted  or  declined 
this  honor.  Certain  it  is,  that  he  who  recorded 
very  minute  occurrences  in  his  life,  has  left  no 
written  notice  of  this  event.  It  is  believed,  that 
this  title  never  sat  easy  on  him.     He  did  not 


170  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

tliink  himself  possessed  of  those  splendid  talents 
and  profound  erudition  which  merit  this  high 
distinction.  It  is  true,  he  had  ordinary  talents, 
was  a  good  mathematician — could  read  Latin  and 
Greek,  was  well  acquainted  with  the  teachings  of 
the  Sacred  Scriptures,  and  studied  the  Westmin- 
ster Confession  of  Faith,  including  the  Shorter 
and  Longer  Catechisms.  We  have  looked  over 
several  hundred  pages  of  his  manuscripts,  and 
we  are  free  to  say,  we  have  not  noticed  more 
than  two  words  incorrectly  spelled ;  and  this  is 
saying  more  than  can  be  said  of  some  brethren 
of  the  cloth,  who  display  at  the  ends  of  their 
names,  two  large  "  semilunar  fardels."  Our 
friend  had  more  substantial  honors. 


REVIEW    OF    HIS   MINISTRY.  171 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Review  of  his  Ministry — Seven  Discourses — His  last  illness — 
Noble  Resolution  of  his  Congregation — The  Visit  of  Two 
Friends — Partial  Recovery — Attends  Commencement  at 
Princeton — His  Death — Funeral  Services. 

In  the  summer  of  1854,  Mr.  Johnston  commenced 
a  series  of  lectures,  which  he  called  a  review  of 
his  ministry.  "We  do  not  know  that  he  had  any 
presentiment  that  his  ministry  was  so  near  a 
close.  He  was  in  good  health,  and  able  to  preach 
and  perform  all  the  duties  of  his  office  without 
exhaustion.  It  is  probable,  he  thought,  that  as 
he  was  approaching  four-score  years,  the  end  of 
Ins  ministry  could  not  be  far  off,  and  that  lie 
would  look  back  and  lead  his  people  to  look 
back  on  what  was  past,  and  forward  to  what 
would  shortly  come. 

As  the  foundation  of  these  discourses,  he  chose 
the  following  words : — "  Unto  him  be  glory  in 


172  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

the  cluircli  by  Jesus  Christ,  throughout  all  ages, 
world  without  end.  Amen  !" — Ephesians  iii. 
chap.,  21st  verse,  lie  undertook  to  show  what 
the  church  is — the  different  forms  it  has  assumed 
under  different  dispensations — that  God  loves 
the  church — the  ways  i;i  which  he  has  manifest- 
ed his  love — the  future  prospects  of  the  church 
— its  universality  and  final  triumphs — the  end 
for  which  it  was  instituted — the  manifestation  of 
the  glory  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ — that  the 
church  universal,  including  believers  of  all  ages 
and  of  all  nations — ever}^  particular  church,  and 
every  member  of  that  church,  always  had 
brought,  and  always  will,  in  ages  to  come  and 
throughout  eternity,  bring  glory  to  God — 
that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church,  in  all  its 
branches,  and  in  all  its  members,  to  aim  at  this 
end — the  ways  in  which  it  is  to  be  accomplished 
— that  it  is  through  the  preaching  of  the  gospel", 
accompanied  by  the  prayers  and  holy  example 
of  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  the 
church  is  to  be  collected  and  edified,  and  pre- 
pared to  ascribe  glory  to  God  "  throughout  all 
ages,  world  without  end.     Amen !"     With  the 


ATTACK   OF   RHEUMATISM.  173 

discussion  of  these  and  similar  topics,  Mr.  John- 
ston interspersed  statements  respecting  the 
churches  of  Xewburgh  and  oSlew  "Windsor — 
relating  what  God  had  done  for  them — what 
they  had  done  and  what  they  had  left  undone — 
and  what  it  was  their  duty  to  do  in  time  to  come. 
From  this  course  of  lectures  chiefly  we  have 
collected  the  fragments  of  history  given  in  the 
preceding  pages  relating  to  the  churches  of 
Newburgh  and  New  "Windsor,  and  the  Pres- 
byteries with  which  they  were  connected.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  these  discourses  are 
not  written  out  in  full.  If  they  had  been 
left  in  a  state  fit  to  be  published  they  would 
have  been  an  inestimable  legacy  to  the  people 
of  his  charge,  and  to  the  church  at  large.  In 
this  series  he  had  delivered  seven  discourses,  and 
it  was  in  his  mind  to  prepare  and  deliver  two 
more.  But  his  work  in  the  pulpit  was  done. 
The  last  discourse  was  delivered  on  the  litli  of 
January,  1855,  and  he  was  laid  prostrate  so  that 
he  did  not  leave  his  bed  chamber  for  six  weeks. 
lie  had,  in  December  preceding,  an  attack  of 
rheumatism,  yet  ho  had  been  able  to  attend  a 


174  MESriSTEKIAL   LITE. 

meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the  college  at  Prince- 
ton, a  few  clays  before  Christmas.  As  soon  as  he 
was  unable  to  appear  in  the  pulpit,  before  there 
■was  any  apprehension  that  his  life  was  so  near  a 
close,  a  committee  waited  upon  him  and  re- 
quested him  to  feel  no  anxiety  respecting  the 
services  of  the  pulpit,  that  the  congregation 
would  have  it  supplied,  and  that  his  usual  salary 
would  be  continued  to  him  during  life.  This 
was  a  just  and  honorable  movement — a  high  tes- 
timonial of  his  people's  estimate  of  his  character, 
and  of  their  gratitude  for  his  long  and  faithful 
services.  Dr.  Johnston  wrote  to  Princeton,  in  a 
scrawling  hand,  scarcely  legible,  for  a  young 
man  to  fill  his  pulpit,  and  he  came,  and  the  good 
man's  mind  was  at  rest  on  that  subject.  Of  all 
the  maladies  to  which  the  human  frame  is  liable, 
perhaps  the  rheumatism  is  the  most  difficult  to 
be  endured  with  patience.  Sickness  and  pain 
was  a  new  thing  to  the  patient ;  through  a  long 
life  he  had  enjoyed  health  and  the  power  of 
bodily  action — now  to  be  confined  to  a  chamber 
and  bed  of  pain  was  a  severe  trial.  But,  what- 
ever expressions  of  impatience  may  have  escaped 


CX)]VrMENCEMENT   AT   PRINCETON.  175 

his  lips,  it  is  believed  that  his  soul  was  at  rest. 
His  heart  was  stayed  on  God,  and  he  remembered 
with  gratitude  the  agonies  of  a  dying  Saviour. 
He  also  often  expressed  his  gratitude  for  the 
comforts  that  surrounded  him  amidst  his  pains 
and  sufferings — a  sympathizing  and  grateful 
people — an  affectionate  wife — ^kind  and  attentive 
children.  The  writer  of  this  tribute  to  the 
memory  of  a  long  tried  friend,  in  company  with 
another  friend,  made  him  a  visit  in  the  month  of 
April,  and  found  him  in  his  cushioned  chair — 
tears  and  not  words  expressed  his  joy.  After  a 
short  interval  of  silence,  conversation  com- 
menced, and  he  resumed  his  wonted  vivacity  and 
cheerfulness.  It  was  Saturday  afternoon ;  we 
passed  the  Sabbath  in  ISTewburgh,  and  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  our  friend  come  down  with 
assistance  into  the  parlor,  and  we  spent  a  plea- 
sant and  profitable  day.  Having  expressed  a 
strong  desire  to  meet  once  more  with  the  Trustees 
of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  he  was  invited  to 
come  a  week  before  Commencement  and  recruit 
his  health.  He  came,  accompanied  by  a 
daughter   to  take   care  of  him,  and   although 


176  inNISTEEIAL   LIFE. 

feeble,  seemed  to  enjoy  the  visit.  Attending  the 
meeting  of  tlie  Board  of  Trustees,  and  participat- 
ing in  their  deliberations,  was  the  last  public 
duty  he  performed. 

The  day  after  Commencement,  the  27th  of 
June,  no  persuasions  could  induce  him  to  remain 
longer.  The  heat  and  dust  in  the  crowded  cars 
was  too  much  for  his  feeble  frame ;  yet  he  reach- 
ed New  York,  passed  over  to  Staten  Island,  and 
spent  the  night  in  the  family  of  a  friend,  and  the 
following  day  returned  to  Newburgh.  Through 
the  month  of  July,  there  was  no  mitigation  in 
his  pains,  and  about  the  first  of  August  another 
excruciating  disease  commenced,  which  termi- 
nated his  sufferings  on  the  twenty-third  of  that 
month.  "  There  is  one  event,"  says  Solomon, 
"  to  the  righteous  and  to  the  wicked."  They 
must  both  die ;  and  they  may  die  in  the  same 
manner  as  to  their  bodily  sufferings ;  but  there 
is  a  vast  difference  in  the  peace  of  the  soul,  in 
which  happiness  chiefly  consists.  There  is  an 
immeasurable  difference  in  what  follows.  The 
one  may  pass  from  a  bed  of  agony  to  a  state  of 
bliss  unspeakable  and  full  of  glor3^     The  other 


THE   FUNERAL    SERVICES.  1Y7 

may  go  without  apparent  pain  to  unending  woe. 
On  the  26th,  the  funeral  services  were  conducted 
with  great  simplicity.  And  he  who,  according 
to  his  own  estimate,  had  presided  and  preached 
at  the  funerals  of  at  least  twenty-five  hundred 
persons,  was  carried  to  his  grave.  Before  tlie 
removal  of  the  corpse  from  the  house,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Brown,  of  the  Episcopal  church,  read  the  15th 
chapter  of  1  Corinthians,  and  the  Rev.  Souther 
Peck,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  ofiered 
an  appropriate  prayer.  At  two  o'clock  p.  m., 
the  whole  population  of  Newburgh  seemed  to 
assemble  at  tlie  church.  The  clergy  of  all  the 
Protestant  denominations  in  Kewburgh,  minis- 
ters from  the  surrounding  country,  and  nume- 
rous friends  from  distant  parts  of  Orange  county, 
were  there.  The  services  were  introduced  by 
the  Rev,  Samuel  H.  McMulIen,  invoking  the 
divine  blessing,  and  reading  the  90th  Psalm. 
After  the  singing  of  an  appropriate  hymn,  the 
Rev.  James  Scott,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church, 
Newburgh,  offered  a  devout  and  solemn  prayer, 
which  was  followed  by  an  able  and  impressive 
sermon  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Potts,  of  the  city  of 
9 


178  MINISTEKIAL   LITE, 

New  York,  wlio  was  providentially  in  the  place. 
The  object  of  the  preacher  was  to  show  the 
extensive  and  lasting  influence  for  good  or  for 
evil  which  a  single  man  may  have,  and  often 
has  had,  on  the  community  in  which  he  lives, 
and  on  the  world.  He  said  only  a  few  words 
respecting  the  deceased ;  but  the  influence  which 
the  good  man  exerts  in  life,  and  frequently  after 
his  body  is  in  the  grave,  so  well  and  so  eloquent- 
ly exhibited,  the  audience  could  not  avoid  ap- 
plying to  the  brother  recently  departed.  They 
thought  of  the  reformation  in  morals,  and  of  the 
numerous  souls  converted  in  Newburgh,  of  the 
ministers  of  the  gospel  brought  forward  and 
trained,  of  the  scholarships  established  for  edu- 
cating others,  of  the  funds  contributed  for  mis- 
sionary and  other  benevolent  purposes,  through 
the  instrumentality  of  this  one  man.  They 
looked  forward  to  the  results  which  may  follow 
in  distant  ages  from  a  single  impulse  given  by  a 
feeble  arm — results  which,  like  the  waves  pro- 
duced by  a  pebble  cast  on  the  bosom  of  a  placid 
lake,  spread  wider  and  wider  until  they  reach 
the  distant  shores  ;  that  a  single  convert  may  be 


MOURNFUL   SILENCE.  1T9 

the  means  of  training  a  pions  family,  and  each 
of  these  another  and  another  ;  that  every  minis- 
ter transplanted  from  this  nursery  may  be  the 
means  of  propagating  others,  and  they  others  ; 
that  the  missionaries  sent  forth  and  sustained  in 
heathen  lands  by  the  contributions  of  this  people^ 
may,  combined  with  the  eflfbrts  of  other  churches 
in  our  own  and  in  other  Christian  lands,  spread 
the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  until  "  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth  "  as  the  waters 
cover  the  bosom  of  the  great  deep. 

After  the  services  in  the  church,  the  wide  and 
long  procession,  chiefly  on  foot,  without  any 
formal  order,  followed  the  corpse  to  its  resting- 
place.  We  do  not  know  that  business  was  stop- 
ped or  shops  closed  by  order  of  the  municipal 
authority,  but  there  was  silence,  and  no  one  was 
seen  moving  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  except 
those  in  the  procession.  It  was  a  beautiful 
serene  summer  afternoon,  not  oppressively  hot. 
The  body  was  deposited  in  a  lot  purchased  by 
Mr.  Edward  R.  Johnes,  a  member  of  the  con- 
gregation, and  presented  to  the  family,  in  a  new 
cemetery,  delightfully  situated  a  quarter  of  a 


180  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

mile  south-west  of  the  village,  and  from  which 
there  is  a  picturesque  view  of  the  noble  Hudson 
and  the  surrounding  highlands.  A  few  fitting 
words  were  said  at  the  grave  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
McLaren,  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church,  and 
the  body  was  committed  to  the  earth,  there  to 
rest  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  The 
solemn  rites  were  closed  by  singing  the  Christian 
doxology,  and  by  the  apostolic  benediction. 


NOTICE. 

The  accompanying^  Lithograph,  the  design  of  a  inonn- 
meut  about  to  be  erected  to  the  menaorj  of  Dr.  Johnston, 
was  handed  to  the  ^Publisher  after  the  work  had  been 
prmted,  and  was  in  the  hands  of  the  binder.  We  hare 
delayed  the  binding'to  have  it  inserted  .n  the  book.  As 
the  inscription  on  the  monument  indicates,  it  is  another 
testimonial  of  the]  community  in  which  he  lived,  and  a 
lasting  memorial  of  their  kindness  and  veneration  for  his 
iHomory. 

The  reduced  proportions  of  the  monument,  as  shown  in 
the  Engraving,  require  [the  inscription  on  the  entablature 
to  be  given  in  such  small  characters  as  to  be  illegible ;  we 
therefore  repeat  it  below  in  a  more  distinct  form. 

The  PtJBLISHEB. 


D  LSIGM   FOR  A  MONUMENT 

proposedtobe  erected 

m  men  LOT  V  of 

Fhe  lalpRe\-'roolin  Jnliiiston 


.S  A  SHOr.K    OFCOBN    COMETH 
HIS  SEASOw     JOB  V     26 
THE  CITIZENS    OF  *it*  BURGH  Cherishing  AN  AFTL  CI  10  h  ATE  VENERATION    FOR  ONE  WHO    FOR   N£A 
AUORNED   HIS  SACRED    OFFICE  BY   his  PUBITV    ANC   F  I  C  E  WTV    AND  IN    EWEHV    RELATION   OF  LIFE  COMMANIII 
AMOI^nEwhim    haveun  it  EDiNtRECTiNGTHis  monument  to  HISMEMOnv 


GOOD    HEALTH.  181 


CHAPTER  X. 

Concluding  Summary. 

The  general  character  of  tlie  deceased  will  be 
sufficiently  understood  from  the  preceding  nar- 
rative. A  few  peculiarities  seem  to  be  worthy 
of  a  more  distinct  notice.  In  infancy  and  boy- 
hood his  frame  was  so  delicate  that  a  short  life 
was  anticipated.  By  walking  a  considerable 
distance  to  school,  by  working  on  a  farm,  by 
long  journeys  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland, 
by  visiting  an  extensive  parish,  and  supplying 
vacant  congregations  soon  after  his  ordination, 
and  all  on  horseback,  his  constitution  was  so 
strengthened  that  he  enjoyed  remarkable  health 
during  a  long  life.  The  lot  also  on  which  his 
house  stood,  containing  about  half  an  acre,  was 
partly  planted  with  vines  and  fruit  trees,  and 
partly  cultivated  in  vegetables,  all  worked  chiefly 


182  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

with  his  own  hands,  afforded  him  exercise  and 
profit.  At  the  age  of  seventy-six  he  remarked 
that  he  was  then  probably  enjoying  the  benefit 
of  work  done  in  his  garden  forty  years  before. 
In  stature  he  was  about  the  medium  height, 
slender,  and  at  no  time  inclined  to  corpulency. 
His  diet  was  chiefly  vegetables,  milk  and  bread, 
abstaining  through  his  whole  life  from  animal 
food.  Hence  he  recorded  his  learning  to  eat 
oysters  at  Amboy,  returning  home  from  college, 
as  a  remarkable  event.  His  abstinence  from 
animal  food  was  not  from  any  religious  scruples, 
nor  from  a  regard  to  health,  but  simply  because 
he  had  no  relish  for  it.  Of  intoxicating  drinks, 
as  a  beverage,  he  made  no  use.  Notwithstanding 
his  spare  diet,  his  slender  frame  was  capable  of 
enduring  great  labor.  Active,  wiry,  elastic, 
when  bent  down  by  the  labors  of  the  day,  it  rose 
again  erect  after  a  night's  rest.  After  preaching 
three  times  on  Sabbath,  and  returning  home  late 
at  night  in  cold  weather  from  a  weekly  lecture, 
he  was  seldom  hoarse,  and  his  voice  never  failed. 
B!is  disposition  was  naturally  cheerful  and  buoy- 
ant, not  subject  to  permanent  gloom  and  melan- 


PLEASING  ADDEESS.  183 

cliolj.  He  had,  it  is  true,  hours  of  deep  depres- 
sion, but  these  arose  from  moral  causes,  and  not 
from  a  morbid  and  diseased  body,  as  is  frequent- 
ly the  case  with  some  good  and  pious  men. 
When  the  cause  was  removed,  he  resumed  his 
wonted  cheerfulness.  In  social  intercourse  with 
his  family  and  friends  he  took  great  delight.  In 
conversation  he  indulged  in  pleasantry  and  a 
hearty  laugh.  He  had  an  acute  perception  of 
the  ridiculous.  Hence  the  ready  replies  and 
spontaneous  wit  of  the  native  Irish,  even  when 
at  his  own  expense,  gave  him  great  amusement.* 
He  had  a  peculiar  facility  of  introducing  con- 
versation with  strangers  in  such  a  way  as  not 
to  be  regarded  as  impertinent  and  obtrusive. 
His  simple  and  easy  address  secured  at  once  the 
confidence,  and  opened  the  lips  of  the  most  re- 
served and  taciturn.  In  travelling  in  steamboats, 
or  stages,  or  railroad  cars,  or  elsewhere,  he 
formed  new  acquaintances  which  oftentimes 
terminated  in  lasting  friendships.  There  was  a 
simplicity,  an  openness,  a  candor  about  the  man, 

*  See  Appendix  K. 


184  MESriSTEEIAL   LIFE. 

which  disarmed  suspicion  and  inspired  confidence 
in  what  he  said  or  did.  This  confidence  was 
never  abused.  No  man  was  further  from  finesse. 
He  despised  artifice  and  trick.  He  abhorred 
management  and  art  in  accomplishing  even  a 
good  object.  He  always  came  out  openly,  and 
avowed  the  end  which  he  wished  to  obtain.  He 
was  no  politician  in  church  or  in  state.  You 
always  knew  where  he  was  and  what  he  was. 

Another  trait  of  character  which  we  rejoice 
to  say  does  not  belong  to  him  exclusively,  was 
economy  in  managing  his  domestic  concerns, 
and  freedom  from  a  sordid  and  worldly  spirit. 
A  man  whose  income  is  small  and  limited,  must 
be  economical  if  he  wishes  to  avoid  worldly  cares 
and  embarrassment.  He  began  housekeeping 
poor,  and  he  did  not  by  marriage  obtain  a  for- 
tune ;  yet  he  fed,  and  clothed,  and  educated  ten 
children,  four  sons  and  six  daughters,  on  a  small 
salary.  He  engaged  in  no  speculation  in  houses 
or  lands  or  stocks — he  did  not  farm,  nor  teach, 
nor  employ  himself  in  mechanical  arts  to  increase 
his  worldly  substance.  He  devoted  his  whole 
time  to  the  spiritual  benefit  of  his  people ;  yet  on 


DOMESTIC  EELATIONS.  185 

a  salary  of  less  than  one-third  of  what  is  usual  in 
the  City  of  New  York,  he  supported  his  family, 
maintained  a  liberal  hospitality,  and  contributed 
to  various  benevolent  objects.  It  should  be  re- 
membered, that  in  consequence  of  easy  and  daily 
communication  the  expense  of  the  necessaries  of 
life  is  nearly  the  same  in  Newburgh  as  in  the 
city.  In  doing  this,  it  required  the  concurrence 
and  aid  of  his  wife.  Indeed,  it  was  to  her  indus- 
try and  economy  that  we  are  to  attribute  his  suc- 
cess in  avoiding  embarrassment.  We  know  not 
what  Dr.  Johnston  may  have  said  to  others,  but 
in  a  frequent  intercourse  of  more  than  thirty 
years,  when  we  spoke  freely  on  almost  every 
subject,  the  writer  never  heard  him  complain  of 
the  straitness  of  his  circumstances,  or  express  a 
fear  that  at  his  decease  he  would  leave  his  family 
destitute  ;  but  more  than  once  we  have  heard 
him  speak  of  the  goodness  of  God,  and  the  kind- 
ness of  his  people  towards  himself  and  his 
family.  And  no  husband  or  father  was  more 
affectionate  or  more  desirous  of  the  welfare  of 
his  wife  and  cliildren.  His  maxim  was,  "  do 
your  duty  and  the  Lord  will  provide." 
9* 


186  MEtnSTERIAL   LIFE. 

For  tenderness  of  conscience  he  was  very 
remarkable  ;  so  that  when  he  had  done  anything 
amiss,  or  neglected  his  duty,  he  had  no  peace  or 
rest  until  he  had  made  humble  and  penitent  con- 
fession. Of  many  cases  that  might  be  mentioned, 
let  one  suffice :  On  board  of  a  steamboat,  we 
think  it  was,  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  the 
Austrian  Consul.  The  conversation  turned  on 
mineralogy,  a  science  in  which  the  baron  (for 
that  was  his  title)  was  greatly  interested.  It  was 
agreed  that  they  would  explore  the  mines  in  the 
Highlands  for  specimens.  At  the  time  appointed, 
the  baron  called  very  early  in  the  morning  at 
the  house  of  Dr.  Johnston.  The  latter  had  not 
had  family  prayers,  and  he  was  afraid  it  would 
not  be  agreeable  to  the  baron,  as  perhaps  he 
was  a  freethinker  or  a  bigoted  Roman  Catholic, 
and  he  would  omit  family  worship.  Through 
the  whole  day  he  was  miserable.  On  his 
return  home,  he  went  to  his  chamber,  fell  on 
his  knees,  confessed  his  sin,  and  promised  the  Lord 
that  if  forgiven  he  would  not  do  so  again.  The  ex- 
plorations were  not  finished,  and  the  following 
morning  the  baron  came  again  early  ;  Dr.  John- 


GREAT   ESTFLUENCE.  187 

ston  informed  him  that  he  had  not  had  famil}'- 
worship  and  requested  him  to  wait  until  he  had 
performed  that  duty.  "  Certainly,"  said  the  baron, 
"  and  with  your  permission  I  will  be  happy  to  join 
you."  After  prayers,  the  baron  from  politeness, 
or  because  he  felt  what  he  said,  expressed  great 
gratification.  In  relating  the  incident  to  a  friend, 
Dr.  Johnston  added,  "  what  a  mean  coward  I  was 
— a  hundred  times  worse  than  Peter,  fori  had  not 
the  same  cause  to  deny  my  Lord  and  Master." 

On  reviewing  the  life  of  this  village  pastor, 
it  is  obvious  that  in  his  proper  sphere  he  had 
great  influence,  and  was  instrumental  in  doing 
much  good.  The  question  arises,  to  what 
did  he  owe  this  influence — what  gave  him 
the  power  of  doing  so  much  good  ?  Undoubt- 
edly it  was  the  Lord  who  was  pleased  to  crown 
his  labors  with  success.  But  although  God 
can,  and  often  does  produce  great  results  by 
means  utterly  inadequate  in  human  view,  on  ex- 
amination we  usually  find  that  there  was 
something  in  the  means  employed  suited  to 
accomplish  the  end  proposed.  This  is  a  wise 
and  benevolent  appointment ;  if  it  were  other- 


188  MINISTEKIAL   LIFE. 

wise,  we  would  not  know  what  preparation  to 
make,  nor  what  means  to  use  in  any  work  which 
we  undertake.  It  was  not  by  profound  erudi- 
tion and  abstruse  logical  argument  that  Dr. 
Johnston  obtained  his  influence.  It  was  not  by 
splendid  eloquence,  beautiful  and  dazzling  ima- 
gery and  flowers  of  rhetoric  that  he  enchained 
the  attention  and  excited  the  admiration  of  his 
hearers.  Much  less  was  it  by  the  smoothness 
and  polish  of  chaste  and  elegant  language,  that 
he  drew  around  him  an  affectionate  and  pious 
people,  and  retained  their  confidence  and  love 
for  forty-eight  years.  Dr.  Johnston  understood 
the  meaning  and  the  force  of  words,  and  the 
grammatical  structure  of  sentences,  but  in  the 
pulpit  and  in  conversation,  if  a  homely  and 
quaint  expression  would  better  make  known  his 
meaning,  he  did  not  hesitate  to  use  it.  Tlie 
flowers  of  speech  and  the  brilliant  scintillations  of 
the  imagination,  which  draw  admiring  multi- 
tudes after  a  popular  speaker,  were  unknown  in  the 
pulpit  of  the  village  pastor.  He  never  stood  on 
the  platform  at  our  religious  anniversaries  and 
delighted  a  crowded  audience  with  his  eloquence. 


CAUSE   OF   HIS   INFLUENCE.  189 

While  others  were  eulogizing  the  Bible  or  urging 
the  claims  of  domestic  and  foreign  missions  in 
our  populous  cities,  he  was  doing  the  work  at 
home — collecting  funds  to  print  and  distribute 
the  Bible — funds  to  send  out  and  sustain  mission- 
aries in  the  domestic  and  foreign  field — and 
more  than  that,  he  was  training  young  men  and 
young  women  too,  to  labor  in  the  Lord's  vine- 
yard. Although  he  was  a  director  in  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary  at  Princeton  thirty-eight  years, 
and  punctually  attended  the  meetings  of  the 
Board,  he  never  could  be  persuaded  to  preach 
the  annual  sermon  before  the  directors,  or  to 
deliver  the  address  to  the  students  at  the  close  of 
the  year  ;  but  he  dropped  a  word  into  the  ear  of 
Robert  and  Marion  Hall  and  Gilbert  King,  and 
secured  two  scholarships  for  that  institution. 

The  question  returns :  To  what  did  he  owe  his 
influence  and  power  to  do  good  ?  In  answer  to 
this  question,  our  first  remark  is,  that  it  was  to 
his  sincere  and  earnest  desire  to  glorify  God 
through  Jesus  Christ.  This,  we  are  authorized 
from  the  whole  tenor  of  his  life  to  believe,  was 
his  aim.  "Him  that  honoreth  God  will  God 
honor." 


190  MmiSTEKIAL   LIFE. 

Intimately  connected  with  the  preceding  re- 
mark is  another.  Dr.  Johnston  was  a  man  of 
prayer,  and  he  encouraged  and  urged  his  people 
to  pray.  He  believed  in  the  efficacy  of  prayer. 
He  felt  his  dependence  on  the  blessing  of  God, 
and  he  believed  that  without  his  blessing  no  other 
means  could  be  effectual  in  convincing  and  con- 
verting sinners,  and  in  building  up  the  kingdom  of 
the  Redeemer.  The  precious  revival  in  1843 
was  commenced  and  carried  on  chiefly  by  prayer, 
with  very  little  regular  and  formal  preaching. 

Our  second  remark  is,  that  he  exerted  a  salu- 
tary and  extensive  influence  by  preaching  the 
gospel  in  a  plain,  affectionate,  and  earnest  man- 
ner, "  not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom, 
but  in  demonstration  of  the  spirit  and  of  power." 
He  used  in  the  pulpit  great  plainness  of  speech. 
No  hearer  could  for  a  moment  think  that  he  used 
the  pulpit  to  display  his  talents,  his  learning,  or 
his  eloquence.  Every  hearer,  whatever  he  might 
think  of  the  doctrine,  was  compelled  to  believe 
that  the  preacher  was  in  earnest,  that  he  really 
believed  what  he  taught.  His  words  had  weight, 
especially  with  those  acquainted  with  his  con- 
sistent and  exemplary  life. 


CONSISTENT   DEPORTMENT.  191 

If  a  man's  daily  walk  and  conversation  be  not 
as  becometh  the  gospel,  his  most  eloquent  and 
solemn  appeals  in  the  pulpit  will  be  regarded  as 
professional  declamation,  and  have  no  salutary, 
but  rather  an  injurious  effect.   In  the  case  before 
us  we  have  a  long,  uniform,  and  consistent  life, 
without  one  foul  blot  on  his  Christian  character. 
Imperfections  and  defects  there  were,  but  nothing 
which  the  world  or  pious  Christians  could  censure. 
The  preaching  of  such  a  man  cannot  fall  unheed- 
ed on  the  ear.     In  Fairfax  County,  Virginia, 
some  forty  years  ago,  there  was  an  aged  man 
who  had  been  a  preacher  in  the  Methodist  con- 
nexion for  forty  or  fifty  years — a  man  of  ardent 
piety  and  exemplary  Christian  life.   The  Metho- 
dists, by  way  of  eulogy,  used  to  call  his  preach- 
ing "  bacon  and  greens" — a  dish  not  very  tempt- 
ing from  its  novelty  and  exquisite  flavor,  but 
always  good,  substantial,  and  seldom  wanting, 
whatever  else  there  might  be  on  a  Virginia  table. 
Such  was  the  preaching  of  this  good  man,  plain, 
affectionate,  solemn,  exhibiting  the  simple  truths 
of  the  gospel  in  such  a  way  that  the  most  igno- 
rant could  understand  them,  and  calculated  to 


192  MmiSTEKIAL  LIFE. 

quicken  and  edify  the  intelligent  and  devout 
Christian.  I  once  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing 
the  good  old  man  preach.  It  was  a  plain  home- 
spun discourse,  calculated  to  awaken  impenitent 
sinners,  and  to  comfort  and  edify  pious  people. 
If  I  had  to  make  a  choice,  I  would  rather  live  on 
"  bacon  and  greens"  the  year  round,  than  on 
those  flimsy,  whipped  up,  frothy  syllabubs, 
which,  how  luscious  soever  to  the  taste,  vanish 
into  air  the  moment  they  touch  the  lips. 

Dr.  Johnston  was  a  prudent  man.  We  do  not 
mean  that  he  had  a  cautious,  calculating  turn  of 
mind  more  properly  called  cunning,  which  takes 
advantage  of  the  prejudices  and  passions  of  men, 
in  order  to  bring  them  to  favor  a  proposed 
measure.  His  prudence  was  the  offspring  of  a 
well  meaning  heart,  and  not  of  a  crafty  mind. 
He  was  fixed  and  determined  in  things  essential, 
accommodating  and  yielding  when  obvious  duty 
was  not  concerned.  His  prudence  was  mani- 
fested in  the  management  of  his  church  and  con- 
gregation. His  people  were  composed  of  almost 
all  nations,  and  had  received  all  kinds  of  early 
religious  training.  They  were  from  Scotland,  Ire- 


CONVERSATION  AND  ADDRESS.  193- 

land,  Kew  England,  New  Jei-sey,  and  natives  of 
!N"ew  York.  Some  had  been  brought  up  Scotch 
or  L'ish  Presbyterians,  some  Congregationalists, 
some  Dutch  Reformed,  and  some  were  native 
Presbyterians ;  and  yet  their  pastor  so  con- 
ducted that  no  serious  schism  took  place  among 
them  during  forty-eight  years.  His  session  also 
was  composed  of  men  from  different  places,  and 
brought  up  under  different  forms  of  church 
government,  and  yet  their  views  and  actions 
were  brought  to  harmonize  in  all  essential  prin- 
ciples, although  they  sometimes  differed  in  sub- 
ordinate matters.  This  fact  he  mentions  with 
gratitude  in  his  last  discourses. 

Out  of  the  pulpit,  in  his  daily  intercourse  and 
parochial  visits,  he  did  as  much,  or,  perhaps, 
more  good  than  by  public  discourses.  In  con- 
versation he  had  a  peculiar  and  happy  talent. 
Always  easy,  simple,  and  natural  in  his  address, 
he  gained  ready  access  to  all  classes  of  persons. 
From  the  common  occurrences  of  life  he  could 
pass  without  effort  to  the  interests  of  the  soul. 
His  countenance  was  not  always  clothed  in 
gloom  and  sadness,  so  that  young  persons  were 


194:  MINISTERIAL   LIFE. 

glad  to  meet  him  in  private  or  in  the  social 
circle,  and  they  seldom  failed  to  receive  benefit 
from  the  interview.  To  those  not  acquainted 
with  the  man  the  above  delineation  may  appear 
too  highly  colored.  But  from  an  acquaintance 
of  nearly  three  score  years,  and  frequent  inter- 
course and  intimate  friendship  more  than  half 
that  time,  the  writer,  if  he  said  anything,  could 
not  say  less.  Unpretending  as  he  was,  and  un- 
known to  fame,  his  remembrance  will  live  in  the 
hearts  of  those  who  know  his  worth,  and  the 
church  will  reap  the  fruits  of  his  labors  in  ages 
yet  to  come. 

If  we  closed  our  summary  without  adding 
that  Dr.  Johnston  owed  much  of  his  influence 
and  usefulness  to  that  excellent  woman  who  was 
the  partner  of  his  joys  and  his  sorrows  nearly 
half  a  century,  we  would  not  have  told  the  whole 
truth.*  Her  wise  and  affectionate  counsels  aided 
him  in  doubtful  and  difficult  cases  ;  soothed  him 
in  his  sorrows  and  in  his  joys ;  managed  with 
discretion  his  domestic  concerns ;  and  enabled 
him  to  devote  his  time  to  the  spiritual  interests 
*  See  Appendix  L. 


THE  pastor's  wife.  195 

of  liis  people.  Mrs.  Johnston  did  more  than 
many  ministers'  wives  can  do,  or  ought  to  be 
expected  to  do.  She  sought  out  the  poor  and 
afflicted,  supplied  their  wants,  or  obtained  assist- 
ance from  others.  She  visited,  and  nursed,  and 
watched  with  the  sick  and  the  dying.  So 
frequently  had  she  been  with  the  sick,  and  so 
often  had  she  noticed  the  prescriptions  of  physi- 
cians, that  the  diagnosis  of  disease,  and  the 
remedies  that  ought  to  be  applied,  were  as  well 
known  to  her  as  to  the  medical  attendant.  Her 
eyes  are  now  too  dim  ever  to  read  these  lines. 
And  what  if  the  twilight  of  her  day  should  be 
cheered  by  the  knowledge  that  her  labors  of  love 
are  remembered  and  appreciated?  It  would 
not,  we  are  certain,  cause  her  to  think  more 
highly  of  herself  than  she  ought  to  think.  It 
would  not  prevent  her  feeling  and  saying  she 
was  an  unprofitable  servant,  and  that  she  had 
done  no  more  than  she  ought  to  have  done.  Her 
hope  of  eternal  life,  we  believe,  is  built  on  a 
more  sure  foundation  than  anything  she  has  done 
or  can  do. 


APPENDIX.  197 


APPE:^rDix. 


A. 

The  editor  of  the  preceding  narrative,  in  the  fall  of  1803 
spent  two  or  three  weeks  in  the  adjacent  counties  of  "West- 
moreland and  Fayette,  which  lie  east  of  Washington  county 
in  which  Dr.  Johnston  was,  and  he  witnessed  the  religious 
excitement  affecting  the  body,  in  the  same  way  as  above 
described,  and  he  can  bear  testimony  to  the  correctness  of 
the  statement  made.  The  same  remark  respecting  the  appa- 
rent coldness  of  the  ministers  who  preached,  occurred  to  the 
writer  that  Dr.  Johnston  makes  respecting  those  in  "Wash- 
ington county.  I  was  well  acquainted  with  the  men,  and 
had  frequently  heard  them  preach  years  before,  and  I  thought 
their  preaching  was  not  near  equal  in  animation  and  power, 
to  that  which  I  had  often  heard  from  tlie  same  men.  They 
dwelt  much  less  than  formerly  on  the  terrors  of  the  Divine 
Law.  They  spoke  chiefly  of  the  fulness  and  richness  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  suitableness  of  the  plan  of  salvation  to  the 
wants  of  guilty  and  ruined  sinners.  And  yet  when  the  love 
and  mercy  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ  was  proclaimed,  the 


198  APPENDIX. 

outcry  and  falling  down  in  the  assemblies,  were  as  frequent 
as  when  the  doom  of  the  impenitent  was  proclaimed.  I  sel- 
dom heard  a  sermon  or  conversation  in  which  it  was  not  fully 
^  and  plainly  stated  that  there  is  no  religion  in  falhng  down, 
convulsions  of  the  body,  nor  even  in  involuntary  crying  out. 
People  were  exhorted  to  restrain  their  feelings  and  to  listen 
to  the  truths  of  God's  Word.  After  these  exhortations  the 
outcry  would  be  suspended  for  a  few  moments,  and  then 
would  break  out  with  increased  violence.  I  conversed  with 
both  the  friends  and  enemies  of  the  work,  and  all  were 
agreed  that  the  falling  down  and  bodily  agitations,  whatever 
might  be  the  cause,  were  involuntary ;  and  that  those  who 
cried  out  could  not  restrain  themselves.  It  was  wonderful 
how  httle  confusion  the  falUng  and  shrieking,  for  so  it  might 
be  called,  produced.  Some  one  near  the  person  who  fell, 
would  take  care  that  he  did  not  hurt  himself,  when  his  mo- 
tions were  violent ;  others  would  not  turn  their  head  to  see 
what  had  occurred,  even  when  atteur.ed  with  a  loud  shout. 
Sometimes,  as  stated  in  the  narrative,  individuals  would  lie 
quiet  and  not  move  a  limb  or  a  muscle,  others  would  be  con- 
vulsed in  such  a  manner  that  you  would  think  every  muscle 
would  be  broken,  and  every  joint  dislocated.  And  yet  I 
conversed  with  several  who  were  thus  affected,  and  they 
assured  me  that  at  the  time  they  felt  no  pain,  and  after- 
ward no  soreness  or  stiffness  in  their  limbs  or  bodies.  I 
never  learnt  that  any  one  sustained  any  permanent  injury 
in  body  or  mind,  from  this  mental  excitement,  and  these 
bodily  spasms. 


APPENDIX.  199 

In  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  where  similar  religious  ex- 
citement commenced  and  prevailed  some  two  years  previous, 
it  ran  in  some  cases  into  the  wildest  fanaticism.  A  few 
Presbyterian  ministers  fell  into  the  delusion,  and  went  far 
astray  in  doctrine  and  in  practice, — some  eventually  saw 
their  error,  sorely  repented  of  their  folly,  and  returned  to 
the  bosom  of  the  church  from  which  they  had  strayed. 
Others  continued  in  their  delusion  and  finally  joined  the 
Shakers,  or  became  leaders  in  a  religion  somewhat  similar. 
To  the  discrimination  which  the  ministers  of  Western  Penn- 
sylvania made  between  what  was  essential  to  true  religion 
and  what  was  not,  we  may  attribute  under  God  the  exemp- 
tion of  that  part  of  the  church  from  similar  delusion  and  ruin. 
These  strange  occurrences  present  to  the  Christian,  and 
to  the  student  of  human  nature,  a  subject  worthy  of  deep 
consideration.  We  cannot  suppose  there  is  anything  mira- 
culous in  persons  suddenly  falling,  and  becoming  entirely 
incapable  of  self-management,  and  at  the  same  time  retain- 
ing their  consciousness,  hearing  what  was  said,  and  know- 
ing the  persons  around  them.  From  universal  testimony, 
aflfectation  and  voluntary  deception  are  out  of  the  question. 
Any  one  who  saw  what  occurred,  would  say  at  once  imita- 
tion is  impossible.  It  could  not  be  counterfeited.  It  was 
involuntary  beyond  all  doubt.  From  what  cause  the  extra- 
ordinary phenomena  arose,  is  a  question  to  which  various 
answers  will  probably  be  given.  To  us  the  following  solu- 
tion appears  to  be  the  most  satisfactory.  In  all  cases  it  is 
known  and  xmiversally  admitted  that  the  mind  has  a  great 


200  APPENDIX. 

effect  upon  the  body.  Violent  passions  of  any  kind  -will 
agitate  the  whole  frame.  Terror  will  cause  the  limbs  and 
muscles  to  tremble.  Joy  will  cause  the  subject  to  leap  and 
dance.  So  powerful  are  these  emotions  that  the  animal 
frame  sometimes  sinks  under  their  pressure,  and  swooning 
and  even  death  follow.  This  being  the  law  of  human  na- 
ture, why  should  not  religious  excitement,  either  from  joy 
or  terror,  prostrate  the  body  ?  "When  Belshazzar,  amidst 
his  impious  feast,  saw  the  mysterious  hand-writing  upon  the 
wall,  "  his  countenance  changed,  and  his  thoughts  troubled 
him,  so  that  the  joints  of  his  loins  were  loosed,  and  his  knees 
smote  one  against  another."  "When  Paul  "reasoned  ofj 
righteousness,  temperance,  and  judgment  to  come,  Felix 
trembled."  When  a  sudden  light  shone  from  heaven  ^^aul 
on  his  way  to  Damascus  persecuting  the  Church  "fell 
to  the  earth."  Joy  will  also  produce  involuntary  bodily 
emotions.  Hence  "to  leap,"  to  "clap  the  hands,"  to 
"  shout  for  joy,"  are  common  expressions,  all  denoting  that 
joy,  without  any  action  of  the  will,  produces  these  bodily 
motions.  It  must  be  admitted  that  the  truths  revealed  in 
the  Bible,  if  fully  believed,  are  calculated  to  make  a  deep 
impression  on  the  mind,  and  to  produce  intense  fears  or 
enrapturing  hopes,  according  as  the  person  thinks  himself 
concerned  in  the  threatenings  or  promises  announced.  It 
is  because  men  do  not  fully  and  practically  beheve  they  are 
in  such  a  sinful  state  and  in  such  imminent  danger,  as  the 
Bible  teaches,  that  they  can  hear  without  emotion  the  awful 
threatenings  of  the  Divine  Law.    The  same  is  true  as  re- 


APPENDIX.  201 

spects  the  promises  of  the  gospel.  There  is  a  mist — a  dark- 
ness— resting  on  the  minds  of  ^the  penitent  and  impenitent, 
which  obscures  their  vision,  and  causes  them  to  view  these 
things  rather  as  shadows  than  as  realities.  Let  their  faith 
or  belief  become  "  the  substance,"  the  embodiment  "  of 
things  hoped  for,"  or  feared,  and  "  the  evidence,"  the  irresist- 
ible proof  of  "  things  not  seen,"  and  the  effect  will  be  great. 
Heaven  and  hell  may  be  believed  to  exist,  but  they  are 
viewed  as  afar  off;  let  them  be  brought  nigh  as  they  are 
on  a  death-bed,  and  both  the  saint  and  the  sinner  cannot  feel 
tranquil  and  unmoved.  The  displeasure  of  God  against  sin 
may  be  admitted,  but  its  manifestation  is  considered  as 
future,  and  the  sinner  hopes  to  repent  before  he  dies,  and 
his  conscience  is  at  rest ;  but  let  him  feel  that  the  unbeliev- 
ing, as  our  Lord  declares,  is  condemned  already,  and  the 
wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him  at  the  present  moment,  and 
who  can  say  what  the  effect  may  be  on  the  mind,  and  on  the 
body?  It  is  not  imreasonable  to  believe  that  the  minis- 
tration of  the  "Word  of  God  which  As  sharper  than  a  two- 
edged  sword,  accompanied  by  the  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  may  pierce  the  soul  with  such  anguish  as  to  pros- 
trate the  body,  and  cause  the  convicted  sinner  to  call  aloud 
for  mercy. 

Suppose  in  a  general  awakening,  some  six  or  eight  or 

more  persons  should  be  brought  under  such  deep  conviction 

for  sin  as  to  force  them  to  cry  aloud  for  mercy,  and  fall 

prostrate,  is  it  not  probable  that  the  attention  of  others 

10 


202  APPENDIX. 


wotild  be  excited,  that  they  would  enter  into  the  feelings  of 
those  thus  exercised,  and  that  mysterious  principle  which  we 
call  sympathy  would  begin  to  work  ?  The  cheerful  counte- 
nance of  a  friend  will  take  the  gloom  from  our  own  in  mo- 
ments of  dejection.  The  tears  in  another's  eyes  will  cause 
om-  tears  to  flow  when  we  have  no  cause  of  sorrow,  and  even 
when  we  do  not  know  why  our  friend  weeps.  The  principle 
is  universal.  We  cannot  associate  with  others  and  not  im- 
bibe their  spirit,  and  imitate  their  actions.  A  case  in  point 
occurs  to  my  mind,  I  had  under  my  tuition  a  boy  of  some 
fourteen  years  old,  I  know  he  did  not  stutter  or  have  any 
impediment  in  his  speech.  His  parents  were  absent  one 
week,  and  the  boy  played  truant  and  spent  his  time  gun- 
ning and  fishing  in  company  with  a  man  who  stuttered 
and  stammered  in  his  speech  so  as  to  be  scarcely  intelligible. 
The  boy  returned  to  school,  and  he  stuttered  and  stanunered 
so  that  it  was  painful  to  hear  him  read  or  speak.  On  the 
same  principle,  we  think  it  probable  that  persons  who  were 
under  no  conviction  for  sin,  or  fear  of  "judgment  to  come," 
might  lose  the  command  of  their  muscles,  and  fall  prostrate 
merely  by  looking  at  others.  If  this  principle  be  admitted 
it  wiU  confirm  the  truth  of  the  declaration  made  by  many 
persons  during  this  extraordinary  excitement,  that  they 
were  not  conscious  of  any  anxiety  on  account  of  their  sins 
before  or  at  the  time  they  feU  prostrate,  and  unable  to  con- 
trol the  motions  of  their  limbs.  But  if  it  be  true  that  some 
were  affected  through  sympathy,  it  will  not  prove  that  all 


APPENDIX.  203 

were  afifected  from  the  same  cause.  At  the  commencement 
there  must  have  been  some  other  cause;  sympathy  conhl 
not  have  commenced  the  work,  for  there  vyas  none  in  a 
condition  to  excite  sympathy;  and  many,  very  many  de- 
clared, that  it  was  their  deep  conviction  for  sin,  or  their  joy 
for  deliverance  from  condemnation,  that  so  overwhelmed 
them  that  they  lost  the  power  of  voluntary  motion.  But 
suppose  there  was  much  mingled  with  this  remarkable  revi- 
val that  did  not  belong  to  true  rehgion,  so  there  is  also  in 
revivals  when  there  is  no  bodily  agitation.  The  fruits  in 
both  cases  prove  that  the  work  is  of  God. 


B. 

Mr.  Johnston  states,  in  a  paper  before  me,  that  he  has 
notices  of  the  untimely  and  horrid  deaths  of  a  considerable 
number  of  those  belonging  to  the  Druid  Society,  but  adds 
that  these  notices  taken  from  his  own  observation,  or  from 
testimony  that  cannot  be  disputed,  ought  not  to  be  published 
during  the  life  of  immediate  and  near  relatives.  These  pa- 
pers we  have  not  seen,  but  it  is  a  notorious  fact  that  several 
belonging  to  the  Druid  Society  died  drunkards,  committed 
suicide,  or  came  to  their  end  in  a  horrid  manner.  In  the 
grave-yard  in  Newburgh,  there  is  a  stone,  which  after  giving 
the  name  of  the  deceased,  and  the  date  of  his  death,  adds, 
"  A  victim  of  intemperance."  This  stone  was  erected  and 
the  inscription  written  by  an  inebriate  son  of  the  deceased. 


204  APPENDIX. 

Such  are  the  effects  of  infidelity — "  Without  natural  affec- 
tion." 

0. 

"  There  stood  up,"  &c.,  evidently  alluding  to  the  form 
of  admitting  members  to  full  communion  in  New-England 
Churches,  and  adopted  by  many  Presbyterian  Churches  in 
the  state  of  New  York.  On  these  occasions,  those  received 
on  examination,  stand  up  before  the  pulpit,  and  give  their 
assent  to  the  leading  doctrines  contained  in  the  confession 
of  faith  and  catechisms  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in 
some  cases  pubhcly  covenant  to  submit  to  the  government 
and  discipline  of  the  Church,  when  administered  according 
to  the  Word  of  God.  Mr.  Johnston  thought  this  mode  of 
admitting  members,  much  more  solemn  and  impressive  than 
that  of  silently  receiving  members  to  the  Lord's  Table  after 
examination  and  approval  by  the  session,  as  had  been  prac- 
tised in  the  congregation  before  he  had  become  pastor.  It 
let  the  members  of  the  church  know  those  who  were  fellow- 
communicants,  and  it  had  also  a  solemn  and  salutary  effect 
on  those  who  were  not  communicants.  The  form  may  not 
be  expressly  commanded  in  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  yet  there 
is  nothing  in  it  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  which 
requires  Christians  to  let  the  world  know  they  are  not 
ashamed  of  their  Lord  and  Master. 

"  The  youngest,"  says  Mr.  Johnston,  "  that  ever  I  re- 
ceived into  the  church  was  Adeha  Drake,  aged  nine  years, 
three  months,  and  twenty-three  days ;  while  she  hved  slie 


APPENDIX.  205 

adorned  by  an  exemplary  life  the  doctrine  of  God,  her  Sa- 
viour,- and  when  she  died,  gave  evidence  that  she  had  gone 
to  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  Another  was  only  thirteen 
years  and  twenty  days  old.  Of  him  it  might  be  said  that  he 
feared  God  from  his  youth ;  his  attention  was  early  turned 
to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  he  prosecuted  his  studies  with 
that  view.  He  is  now  (1852)  a  seaman's  chaplain,  and  pro- 
mises to  be  very  useful."  The  oldest  was  Mr.  Isaac  Belknap 
in  his  eightieth  year.  The  day  that  he  came  to  see  me  and 
converse  with  me,  was  the  26th  day  of  December,  1812. 
He  had  attended  the  funeral  of  General  James  Clinton,  the 
day  before,  which  was  Christmas-day,  and  very  cold.  "When 
he  came  into  my  room  I  was  surprised  and  rejoiced  to  hear 
him  say  in  answer  to  my  question, '  How  he  was,' '  I  am  an 
old  sinner,  few  and  evil  have  been  the  days  of  the  years  of 
my  pilgrimage.'  He  was  greatly  distressed,  and  after  prayer 
he  retm-ned  home ;  about  four  months  afterwards  he  united 
with  the  church.  He  grew  in  grace,  particularly  humility, 
and  died  a  most  triumphant  death,  April  29th,  1815." 

"  I  well  remember  a  conversation  which  I  had  with  one, 
who  is  now,  I  trust,  in  a  better  world.  Her  great  distress 
was,  that  she  knew  little  or  nothing  of  the  distresses  of 
which  she  heard  others  speak,  in  view  of  exposure  to  the 
wrath  of  God.  '  Well, '  said  I, '  if  you  should  arrive  at  Heaven 
you  wiU  not  regret  that  you  had  not  been  brought  by  the 
mouth  of  hell.  If  you  hate  sin,  and  love  holiness,  that  is  the 
grand  characteristic  of  a  Christian.    It  is  not  what  precedes 


206  APPENDIX. 

hatred  of  sin  and  love  of  holiness,  but  the  exercise  itself — 
hating  sin  and  loving  holiness — to  which  you  should  direct 
your  attention.'  She  was  comforted,  and  enabled  to  confess 
Christ  before  the  world.  She  was  useful  in  life,  comfortable 
in  death,  and  we  have  no  doubt,  happy  in  eternity,  having, 
as  she  said,  been  "  drawn  by  the  cords  of  love." 

D. 

Attending  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  at 
Fairfield,  in  1814,  Mr.  Johnston  makes  the  following  record : 
"  I  was  lodged  at  the  house  of  Mr.  afterwards  Dr.  Hum- 
phries, in  company  with  the  Rev.  Lemuel  Haines  and  lady. 
Mr.  Haines  was  a  colored  man,  and  known  from  his  cele- 
brated sermon  on  the  text,  "  And  the  serpent  said  unto  the 
woman,  ye  shall  not  surely  die,"  which  he  delivered  to  his 
own  people  after  the  Universalist,  Hosea  Ballon,  had  en- 
deavored to  establish  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation. 
Mr.  Haines  was  a  veiy  companionable  man,  a  good  scholar, 
a  great  wit,  and  veryjpopular  preacher.  He  was  very  ready 
to  ^ve  his  opinion  on  any  subject  proposed.  He,  like  myself 
was  a  delegate  to  the  Association.  We  differed  in  other  re- 
spects. I  was  a  white  man,  and  had  no  wi  fe  present ;  he  was 
a  black  man,  and  had  a  white  woman  for  his  wife.  We 
were  all  pleasantly  and  happily  situated  under  the  hospitable 
roof  of  Dr.  Humphries.  The  business  of  the  Association 
was  hannoniously  conducted  under  the  moderatorsliip  of 
Dr.  Goodrich  of  BerUn.    Among  those  who  attended  the  As- 


APPENDIX.  207 

eociation,  was  Dr.  Dwight,  President  of  Yale  College.  Pub- 
lie  worsliip  was  frequently  performed ;  in  short,  there  was 
an  unusual  number  of  religious  exercises  mingled  with  the 
ordinary  business  of  the  Association.  Near  the  middle  of 
the  morning  sessions  the  house  was  filled  with  spectators, 
and  it  became  known  that  Mr.  Haines  was  to  preach.  He 
took  his  seat  in  the  pulpit  between  the  Moderator  and  Dr. 
Dwight.  His  text  was,  'Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth, 
come  ye  to  the  waters.'  It  was  readily  perceived  that  the 
preacher  had  the  attention  of  all  present,  especially  of  Dr, 
Dwight.  And  when  Mr.  Haines  illustrated  thirsting,  by 
the  case  of  the  Syro-Phoenician  woman  saying '  Truth,  Lord, 
yet  the  dogs  may  eat  the  crumbs  that  fall  from  their  mas- 
ter's table,'  Dr.  Dwight  wept  like  a  child,  and  there  was 
scarcely  a  dry  eye  in  the  house.  The  impression  made  on 
my  mind  was  that  he  was  a  powerful  preacher.  He  had 
several  revivals  among  his  own  people  and  in  neighboring 
congregations.  His  own  wife  was  one  of  his  spiritual  chil- 
di'en." 

On  his  way  to  the  General  Association  of  ITew  Hamp- 
shire, in  1826,  he  lodged  with  Dr.  "Wisner,  in  Boston.  "  In 
the  evening  a  bell  rang.  I  learned,"  writes  Mr.  Johnston, 
"  that  Dr.  Palfrey,  lately  returned  from  Europe,  was  going 
to  preach.  Dr.  Wisner  declined  going,  but  urged  me  to  go. 
Dr.  Palfrey  took  for  his  text,  '  Ye  must  be  born  again.'  In 
his  view  the  text  had  no  application  to  any  in  a  gospol- 
enlightened  land.    It  wholly  regarded  exchanging  heathen- 


208  APPENDIX. 

ism  and  Judaism  for  Christianity.  He  treated  "with  pity  or 
scorn  what  is  usually  understood  by  the  new  birth  or  rege- 
neration as  held  by  Calvinists." 


E. 

"  The  Eev.  Dr.  John  Brown  came  to  Newburgh  the  1st 
January,  1816.  He  was  the  first  and  only  rector  of  the 
Ei^iscopal  Church  in  Newburgh.*  That  church  commenced, 
and  grew  up  under  him.  The  1st  of  January,  1855,  he  had 
been  pastor  thirty-nine  years." 

The  Rev.  Joseph  McCarroU  became  pastor  of  the  As- 
sociate Reformed  Church,  the  14th  day  of  March,  1823,  so 
that  on  the  1st  of  January,  1855,  he  was  pastor  of  the  same 
church  nearly  thirty-two  years.  Respecting  these  two  gen- 
tlemen and  himself.  Dr.  Johnston  remarks  that  "  it  seldom 
occurs  in  any  village  that  three  ministers  of  different  deno- 

*  This  remark  respecting  Dr.  Brown  commencing  the  Epis- 
copal Church  in  Newburgh,  must  be  understood  in  a  qualified 
sense.  There  had  been  an  Episcopal  Church  in  Newburgh,  at 
an  early  period,  and  regular  worship  was  continued  until  the 
American  Revolution.  From  that  time  until  Dr.  Brown  com- 
menced his  ministry,  there  was  no  regular  Episcopal  service 
or  organized  church  in  Newburgh;  so  that  the  Episcopal 
Church  may  be  said  to  hare  commenced  and  to  have  grown 
up  under  him. — [See  Mr.  Eager's  Annals  of  Orange  County. — 
Editor.] 


APPENDIX.  209 

minations  continue  to  labor  thirty-two  years  side  by  side, 
witnessing  the  growth  of  each  other's  charge,  with  a  har- 
mny  of  feehng,  and  a  unity  which  have  enabled  them  to  re- 
joice that  the  work  of  the  Lord  was  prospering,  through  their 
instrumentahty.  This  has  been  the  case  with  Drs.  Brown, 
McCarrol,  and  myself;  we  began  our  ministry  in  our  pre- 
sent charge,  and  have  remained  in  our  lot  to  the  present 
time,  so  that  each  can  say,  'I  dwell  among  my  own  people.'  " 

F. 

"  Mr.  Uzal  Knapp  was  received  a  member  of  this  church, 
April  5th,  1816,  from  a  Congregational  Church  in  Stamford, 
Connecticut.  He  stiU  Hves,  and  claims  to  be  the  last  of 
"Washington's  Body  Guards.  He  is  about  ninety-five  years 
old,  and  has  the  use  of  his  faculties  of  body  and  mind,  ex- 
cept that  his  hearing  is  somewhat  impaired — he  still  travels 
about,  and  it  is  not  long  since  I  saw  him  driving  a  team  on 
the  turnpike.  He  converses  hke  a  pious  man,  and  next  to 
his  Saviour,  he  loves  to  talk  of  Gen.  Washington,  and  fight 
over  again  the  battles  fought  under  his  command.  (1852.)" 

Henry  Tise,  now  gone  to  be  with  the.Lord.  His  parents 
came  from  Germany  before  the  middle  of  the  last  century. 
They  understood  no  language  but  the  German,  and  of  course 
this  was  their  family  language;  they  were  pious  people,  and 
Henry  learned  to  repeat  his  prayers  in  German  as  he  kneeled 
at  his  mother's  knee.  As  the  children  grew  up  they  mingled 
with  EngUsh  people,  went  to  English  school,  and  the  younger 
10* 


210  APPEi!TDlX. 

part  of  the  Tise  family  could  not  be  distinguislied  from  Eng- 
lish. Henry  married  and  had  a  numerous  family.  He  made 
a  professiou  of  religion,  and  became  an  elder  in  the  Church 
of  Hopewell.  In  1816  he  removed  to  Newburgh,  and  was 
chosen  an  elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  a  good 
man,  was  in  the  habit  of  visiting  and  praying  with  the  sick 
and  afflicted.  He  had  ceased  to  speak  the  German  language 
or  to  read  the  German  Bible  for  years.  He  lived  to  be  an  old 
man,  and  was  under  the  care  of  a  pious  daughter  in  his  last 
sickness.  "  He  gradually  sank  under  the  infirmities  of  age  and 
disease.  He  manifested  confidence  in  his  Saviour,  and  had 
the  consolations  of  religion  as  long  as  he  was  able  to  make 
known  his  feehngs.  He  lay  some  days  apparently  uncon- 
scious of  what  was  passing  around  him.  On  the  morning 
of  the  day  on  which  he  died,  about  daylight,  his  daughter 
was  awaked  by  him  praying,  and  to  her  surprise  he  was 
praying  in  German,  using  the  words  his  mother  had  taught 
him,  four-score  years  before.  Early  impressions  are  lasting. 
From  such  facts  parents  and  teachers  should  learn  a  lesson. 
He  died,  February  15th,  1845,  aged  85  years,  8  months,  and 
21  days." 

"Mr-  Isaac  Ohaffin  died  on  the  29th  of  May,  1830,  in  this 
village.  His  history  is  calculated  to  arrest  the  attention  of^ 
aU  acquainted  with  it.  The  foUo\ving  details  are  as  he  com- 
municated them  to  me : — 

"  He  was  a  native  of  Jamaica,  Wyndham  County,  Ver- 
mont.    He  was  a  rude,  ungovernable  youth,  though  he  had 


APPENDIX.  211 

received  a  pious  education,  and  had  witnessed  a  holy  example 
in  the  life  of  his  mother.  He  became  infidel  in  his  senti- 
ment, reckless  in  business,  extravagant  in  his  expenses,  in- 
volved his  friends  in  pecuniary  embarrassment,  and  ran  away. 
He  went  to  Louisville  and  Cincinnati,  united  with  a  club 
of  Infidels  and  Universalists,  read  deistieal  books,  ridiculed 
the  Bible,  laughed  at  the  idea  of  Christ's  divinity,  and  said  he 
had  more  than  once  uttered  the  blasphemous  expression,  that 
he  would  as  soon  trust  to  the  blood  of  a  hog  as  to  that  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  that  his  conscience  would  check  him  every  time  he 
uttered  the  horrid  sentence.  His  account  of  the  club  of  De- 
ists, Universalists,  and  Atheists  in  Louisville  and  Cincinnati, 
was  shocking.  He  retained  his  infidel  sentiments  untU  he 
retm'ned  to  Newburgh  in  1829.  His  health  was  declining,  and 
it  was  evident  his  days  were  drawing  to  a  close.  When  con- 
fined to  his  room,  he  was  attended  by 'a  person  who  brought 
to  him  his  daily  meals.  A  little  toy  cup  containing  some- 
thing for  him  to  eat,  was  undesignedly  taken  to  his  room.  On 
this  cup  his  eyes  met  the  solemn  warning, '  Prepare  to  meet 
thy  God.'  The  thought  struck  him,  '  There  is  a  God,  and  I 
must  meet  him.'  He  tried  to  quiet  his  conscience,  but  every 
day  the  little  cup  came,  and  silently  said,  '  Prepare  to  meet 
thy  God ;'  his  mother  rose  in  remembrance,  her  example 
and  counsel  were  vividly  before  him,  he  was  miserable ;  his 
infidelity  fled,  and  he  turned  to  tlie  Bible  for  rehef,  pious 
people  visited  him,  gave  him  counsel,  and  prayed  with  him, 
ho  became  hoi)ufully  a  new  man,  and  ho  niauii'csted  the  great 


212  APPENDIX. 

change  by  snndry  letters  to  his  infidel  acquaintances,  Avarn- 
ing  them  of  their  errors  and  danger,  and  exhorting  them  to 
flee  to  that  Jesus,  whom  they,  with  him,  had  ridiculed.  He 
wrote  to  his  father  and  sister,  asking  their  forgiveness,  and 
sending  messages  to  such  as  he  had  iU-used.  This  change  was 
some  time  in  the  winter,  and  he  lived  until  the  latter  part  of 
May.  His  wish  that  he  might  Hve  to  make  a  public  profession 
of  religion  was  gratified ;  our  communion  season  was  the  se- 
cond Sabbath  in  May,  and  on  that  day  he  was  carried  to  the 
Church,  pale,  emaciated,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  congre- 
gation lie  was  baptized,  and  received  the  emblems  of  the 
broken  body  and  shed  blood  of  the  Redeemer.  At  the  close 
of  the  service  he  expressed  himself  thus,  '  God  be  praised,  I 
feel  thankful  that  my  prayers  have  been  answered ;  so  that  I 
was  enabled  to  be  brought  to  the  church.'  A  few  days  after 
his  interment,  his  sister  came  from  Vermont,  and  confirmed 
the  sad  history  which  her  brother  had  given  of  himself,  and 
added  that  he  had  been  shot  in  a  duel,  and  the  probability 
was  that  the  ball  was  now  with  him  in  his  grave,  as  it  had 
not  been  extracted.  We  hope  that  the  blood  which  he  had 
once  and  again  undervalued  and  contemned  was  applied  to 
the  washing  away  of  his  deep- dyed  sins." 

"  William  Belknap  was  received  into  the  church  May 
8th,  1820.  The  time  of  his  death  I  don't  know,  but  this  I 
do  know,  that  he  was  a  conscientious,  good  man,  subject  to 
great  depression  of  spirits,  approaching  at  times  hypochon- 
dria.   He  frequently  came  to  consult  me  in  reference  to  the 


APPENDIX. 


213 


great  adversary  troubling  him  in  bed — crawling  over  him, 
removing  the  clothes,  shaking  the  bedstead,  &c.  I  was  per- 
plexed to  know  what  to  say  to  him.  I  recommended  prayer, 
meditation,  sitting  up  late,  and  rising  early,  so  that  he  would 
be  disposed  to  sleep  sound  while  in  bed.  The  good  old  man 
followed  my  directions,  but  all  would  not  do :  the  devil  would 
still  return  and  repeat  the  disturbance.  At  last,  believing  it 
was  a  mental  delusion,  I  recommended  him  to  take  the  Bible 
into  bed  with  him,  and  when  the  devil  came  to  present  him 
with  the  Bible  or  to  throw  it  at  him.  He  did  so,  and  the 
next  day  he  came  with  a  pleasant  countenance,  and  told  me 
he  had  a  quiet  and  refreshing  night's  rest." 

"  Mary  Gardner  was  received  into  the  church,  August 
11th,  1850.  She  was  a  mute,  deaf  and  dumb.  None  of  the 
Session  imderstood  the  language  of  signs  by  which  mutes  are 
enabled  to  communicate  with  each  other.  Through  a  per- 
son who  understood  signs,  we  obtained  her  answers  to  ques- 
tions proposed  by  us.  We  had  the  testimony  of  her  parents 
and  neighbors,  and  we  thought  we  could  understand  the 
train  of  thoughts  passing  in  her  mind,  by  the  expression  of 
her  countenance.  And  from  the  whole  we  were  satisfied  to 
receive  her  to  the  fellowship  and  communion  of  the  church. 
She  was  an  attendant  on  public  worship  for  several  years — ■ 
she  seemed  to  enjoy  religion,  and  she  left  us  and  went  to 
heaven,  where  the  organs  of  hearing  and  speaking  are  not 
necessary  to  communion  with  God." 


214  APPENDIX. 

G. 

This  widow  lady  resided  about  five  miles  above  the  place 
where  Mr.  Johnston  crossed  the  river,  at  the  margin  of  a 
forest  of  twelve  miles,  through  which  he  had  to  pass.  She 
was  alone,  her  sons  were  out  preparing  a  raft  of  boards  for 
the  Philadelphia  market.  He  told  her  who  he  was  and  the 
business  in  which  he  was  engaged,  and  asked  for  a  night'a 
lodging.  He  was  directed  to  a  field  where  his  horse  would 
find  pasture.  "While  he  was  putting  his  horse  into  the  pasture 
the  good  lady  had  prepared  for  him  something  to  eat,  and 
when  the  culinary  process  was  done,  she  sat  down  at  her 
spinning-wheel.  "  I  attempted,"  says  Mr.  J.,"  to  introduce  re- 
ligious conversation,  but  the  more  I  talked  the  faster  the 
wheel  went,  until  I  could  not  be  heard,  and  I  had  to  stop — 
I  seized  the  next  interval,  when  the  wheel  slacked  a  little, 
and  again  I  threw  in  a  word,  and  again  the  wheel  went  whiz, 
whiz,  whiz.  I  made  the  third  attempt  and  the  wheel  went 
slower  and  slower,  and  at  last  stopped,  and  the  good  old  lady 
covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and  burst  into  tears;  when 
she  recovered  a  Httle  she  said,  '  I  was  brought  up  in  Con- 
necticut, was  a  member  of  the  church,  and  left  in  the  midst 
of  a  revival,  came  to  this  place  seven  years  ago,  lost  my  hus- 
band, and  have  not  heard  a  sermon,  nor  had  a  person  to 
speak  to  me  on  the  subject  of  rehgion,  since  I  came  here.' 
Her  tears  fell  in  abundance,  and  we  had  a  delightful  season 
of  prayer  and  Christian  conversation.  I  have  often  thought 
of  Mrs.  Tyler,  and  I  hope  she  is  now  (1852)  in  heaven.      I 


APPENDIX.  215 

have  sometimes  thought  that  her  situation  might  be  illus- 
trated by  a  hickory  coal  having  rolled  from  a  burning  fire ; 
when  it  fell  it  was  all  alive,  left  to  itself  it  became  covered 
up  with  its  own  ashes ;  blowing  away  the  ashes,  the  living 
spark  would  appear,  ready  to  unite  with  another  coal  that 
might  be  brought  in  contact.  The  Christian,  in  company 
with  others,  is  ahve  and  vigorous ;  but  if  he  be  left  alone,  in 
the  midst  of  the  world,  without  any  one  with  whom  lie  can 
communicate,  he  will  be  likely  to  become  buried  up  in  the 
world ;  but  brought  into  connexion  with  Christian  friends,  the 
grace  of  God  in  the  heart  will  show  itself,  and  he  will  be  made 
to  rejoice.  "  This  interview,"  continues  Mr.  Johnston,  "  and 
others  of  a  similar  kind,  remind  me  of  a  homely  but  apt 
comparison  made  at  my  house,  by  a  missionary,  returning 
fi-om  the  new  settlements — "  Tou  might  as  wcll^''''  said  he, 
"  attempt  to  draw  a  cat  to  you  hy  the  tail,  as  to  induce  the 
people  with  whom  I  have  ieen  to  enter  into  religious  conver- 
sation.^'' 

n. 

"  Shortly  after  I  entered  the  ministry,  I  was  sent  by  the 
Presbytery  to  preach  where  the  village  of  Bethel  now  is  in 
the  county  of  Sullivan.  I  fulfilled  my  appointment,  and  re- 
turned home,  somewhat  dispirited.  A  few  weeks  after  a 
stranger  came  to  see  me,  who  stated  that  he  had  travelled 
that  Sabbath  morning  ten  miles  through  the  woods  to  attend 
public  worshij),  and  that  my  sermon  had  produced  such  a 


216  APPENDIX. 

state  of  mind  that  he  had  no  peace  nor  rest,  and  that  he  had 
come  to  converse  with  me  on  the  subject.  We  were  both 
gi'eatly  affected.  He  remained  two  or  three  days,  and  then 
left  me.  I  often  thought  of  him,  but  gradually  I  lost  sight 
of  him.  Years  passed  away,  till  one  day,  a  stranger  called 
and  asked  whether  I  knew  him.  I  answered  no,  and  he  made 
himself  known.  Having  obtained  a  hope  of  pardon,  his  heart 
was  fixed  on  the  ministry.  He  wandered  to  the  West,  and 
in  the  State  of  Indiana  he  commenced  teaching  a  school, 
and  then  edited  a  political  paper,  and  supported  himself 
while  prosecuting  his  studies.  He  was  licensed  to  preach, 
and  became  a  most  useful  and  influential  minister,  and  his 
name  is  connected  with  the  benevolent  operations  of  the 
day.  At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  Philadel- 
phia, a  gentleman  from  the  West  informed  me  that  he  liad 
it  in  charge  to  present  to  me  the  kind  remembrances  of  the 
Kev,  Thomas  Lippincot.    My  heart  was  glad." 

"  Ml'.  Hopkins.  When  on  my  way  to  attend  the  General 
Association  of  New  Hampshire,  in  1826,  I  lodged  from 
Saturday  night  till  Monday  in  the  house  of  a  friend,  in  Salem, 
Massachusetts.  I  was  urged  to  attend  a  meeting  for 
prayer  in  the  evening ;  I  wished  to  be  excused,  but  was  al- 
most compelled  to  go.  And  I  was  called  upon  to  make  some 
remarks,  which  I  did  from  the  pointed  passage, '  The  Master 
is  come  and  calleth  for  thee.'  I  went  on  my  way,  and,  shortly 
after  I  returned  home,  I  received  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  Hop- 
kins, letting  me  know  that  he  had  come  three  miles  to  attend 


APPENDIX.  217 

the  meeting,  and  there,  for  the  first  time,  heard  the  gospel 
calling  to  repentance,  and  faith  in  Christ,*  thanking  me  for 
the  sermon  and  asking  to  be  remembered  in  my  prayers,  and 
requesting  me  to  make  his  house  my  home,  if  I  again  visited 
that  part  of  the  country.  I  learned  from  those  who  knew 
him,  that  he  still  continued  to  manifest  the  character  and 
conduct  of  a  Christian. 

"  Two  or  three  years  ago  I  met  in  a  friend's  house  in 
Newburgh,  a  gentleman,  who  reached  out  Ms  hand  to  me, 
and  with  a  smiling  countenance,  and  a  tear  falling  over  his 
cheek,  asked,  '  do  you  know  me  V  '  No.'  '  Do  you  re- 
collect preaching  at  a  certain  house,  north  of  Monticello  ? ' 
'  Yes,'  and  gave  the  reason  why  I  recollected  it,  although  it 
was  more  than  thirty  years  before.  '  Do  you  recollect  the 
text?'  I  replied  I  did  not.  '  Well,'  said  he, '  I  do,  it  was, 
"  TJnto  you  I  call,  and  my  voice  is  to  the  sons  of  men." 
'  That,'  said  he,  '  was  the  first  time  that  preaching  had 
any  effect  on  me.  I  hope  I  became  a  new  man,  I  settled 
down  in  life,  united  with  a  church  in  Connecticut,  and 
have  been  deacon  in  the  church  for  nearly  thirty  years.' 
We  wept  and  talked,  and  prayed  together,  and  separated. 
Whether  he  is  alive  at  this  time,  I  know  not.  If  dead,  I 
rejoice  to  think  he  is  in  Heaven." 

*  Probably  his  minister,  like  Dr.  Emmons,  thought  ex- 
hortations to  look  to  Clirist  for  repentance  and  faith  not  re- 
quired, as  these  wei'e  blessings  not  procured  through  Christ. — 
EcrroR. 


218  APPENDIX. 

"  While  attending  the  General  Assembly  in  Pittsburgh, 
one  evening  after  public  worship,  a  young  man,  whom  I  did 
not  recognise,  accosted  me  by  name,  saying  he  was  once  a 
member  of  our  Sabbath  School,  and  that  the  address  I 
gave  on  the  last  Sabbath  he  was  in  the  school  was  blessed 
to  his  awakening  to  a  sense  of  his  situation  as  a  sinner,  and  he 
hoped  he  had  accepted  Jesus  Christ  as  his  Saviour.  He 
united  with  the  church,  was  employed  in  a  large  foundry  in 
Alleghany  City,  and  hoped  was  daily  in  the  exercise  and 
enjoyment  of  religion, 

"These,"  adds  Mr.  Johnston,  "are  only  specimens  of 
what  might  be  given,  and  show  how  censurable  it  is  to 
conclude  that  no  good  has  been  done,  because  we  do  not  see 
immediate  beneficial  effects." 

I. 

Congregations  taken  under  the  care  of  the  Forth  Eiver 
Presbytery : — 

Poundridge^  May  7,  1822;  originally  under  the  care  of 
Dutchess  Presbytery ;  PongMeepsie,  September  19,  1821 ; 
Smithjield,  April  27,  1825;  North  Salem^  September  18, 
1825;  South  East,  April,  1825;  Cold  Spring,  April,  1826; 
Canterbury,  October,  1826;  Freedom  Plains,  April,  1828; 
Highland  Congregation,  October,  1830 ;  Matteawan,  Dec, 
1832 ;  Peehmanville,  September  27,  1833 ;  Tabernacle 
Church,  AT.  Y.,  April,  1834 ;  dissolved  by  Synod,  October 
25,  1834 ;  2nd  Church,  Poughheepsie,  June,  1835 ;  Plea- 
sant Plains,  September,  1837. 


APPENDIX.  219 

Among  the  biographical  notices  recorded  by  Mr.  John- 
ston, we  find  the  names  of  several  that  had  been  connected, 
with  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess.  Among  them  is  the  fol- 
lowing notice  of  one  of  the  foimders  of  that  Presbytery  : — 

"  The  Eev.  Ehsha  Kent  was  born  in  Suflfield,  Connecticut; 
he  was  graduated  iu  Yale  College,  in  1729,  and  has  A.M. 
attached  to  his  name,  probably  from  the  same.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach  by  some  Association  in  Connecticut,  and 
ordained  and  installed  pastor  in  Newtown,  Ct.  He  is  re- 
presented to  have  been  a  zealous  and  successful  laborer  in 
the  vineyard  of  his  Lord  and  Master.  He  was  among 
those  active  ministers  (in  the  days  of  Edwards,  Tennant, 
and  Whitefield)  who  objected  to  being  taxed  to  support 
ministers  whose  labors  were  not  approved,  or,  in  other 
words,  to  support  the  established  religion,  as  then  found  in 
Connecticut.  The  result  was,  that  he  and  several  of  his 
people  removed  to  the  County  of  Dutchess,  in  the  State  of 
New  York,  and  he  became  the  pastor  of  the  first  church  in 
Phihppi,  or,  as  now  called.  South  East.  His  removal  was 
in  the  year  1740,  and  as  he  said,  'to  be  removed  from 
lords  spiritual.'  From  the  records  of  several  Church  Ses- 
sions we  find  him  engaged  in  organizing  churches  and  set- 
thng  difficulties.  In  one  the  date  is  1748,  and  in  another 
1759.  Part  of  his  time  was  employed  in  preaching  to  the 
people  of  the  Hollow,  or,  as  it  is  now  called,  "Washington 
Hollow,  in  1745.  In  1763,  he  and  Solomon  Mead  and 
Joseph  Peck  united  and  formed  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess, 


220 


APPENDIX. 


adopting  the  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Larger  and  Shorter 
Catechisms,  and  form  of  Presbyterian  Church  Government, 
and  as  a  Presbytery  were  received  as  a  constituent  member 
of  the  SjTiod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  This  was  the 
first  Presbytery  ever  foiTued  north  of  the  city  of  New 
York,  The  Presbytery  was  called  '  the  Presbytery  of  the 
County  of  Dutchess,'  and  afterwards  changed  by  order  of 
Synod  to  '  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess.'  He  died  in  1776. 
He  was  pastor  of  the  Church  of  South  East  about 
thirty-six  years,  and  had  been  a  preacher,  and  probably  a 
pastor,  in  Newtown,  Ct.,  and  South  East,  N.Y.,  more  than 
forty-four  years.  His  name  is  found  in  the  records  of  the 
Presbytery  and  of  the  Synod,  as  being  appointed  to  some 
of  the  most  important  and  difficult  duties  in  either.  He 
was  a  diligent,  useful,  and  successful  minister,  and  his 
works  do  follow  him.  His  whole  ministry  preceded  the 
declaration  of  American  Independence.  The  late  Chancel- 
lor James  Kent  was  his  grandson." 

[We  do  not  know  how  many  children  the  Eev.  Elisha 
Kent  had.  One  daughter  we  happen  to  know,  married  a 
Mr.  Kane,  who  hved  and  died  in  Schenectady,  N.Y.  She 
was  a  remarkably  intelligent  and  pious  lady,  far  advanced 
in  years,  when  we  became  acquainted  with  her.  She  had 
five  or  six  sons,  all  active  and  enterprising  men.  From 
tliese  are  descended  many  families  of  the  name  of  Kane  in  the 
United  States.  Of  that  stock  was  the  late  Hon.  Ehas  Kane, 
United  States  Senator  from  Illinois ;  the  Hon.  Judge  Kane, 


APPENDIX.  221 

of  Philadelphia,  and  his  son,  Dr.  Elisha  Kent  Kane,  the  in- 
trepid explorer  of  the  Arctic  Seas,  as  the  name  of  the  latter 
indicates,  are  of  that  family.  The  descendants  in  the 
female  line  are  also  numerous ;  and  devoted  piety,  as  well 
as  energy  of  character,  is  found  in  the  blood  of  the  third 
and  fourth  generation  from  the  Rev.  Elisha  Kent  of  "  South 
East."  A  daughter  of  Mrs.  Kane  of  Schenectady,  a  lady 
of  distinguished  piety,  married  a  Mr.  Livingston  of  Dutchess 
County,  N.Y.,  and  was  the  mother  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr. 
Livingston  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  Philadelphia. 
Another  daughter  of  the  same  Mrs.  Kane,  a  lady  not  ex- 
celled in  elegance  of  manners,  benevolence,  and  piety,  by 
any  of  her  sex,  married  Jeremiah  Von  Rennselaer,  late  of 
Utica,  and  was  the  mother  of  three  daughters,  not  inferior 
to  herself  in  piety,  benevolence,  and  refinement  of  manners. 
Two  of  them  married  distinguished  gentlemen  in  the  western 
part  of  New  York,  and  both  these,  with  their  honored 
mother,  sleep  in  Jesus.  The  third  is  single,  and  has  charge 
of  her  sisters'  children.  It  would  be  interesting,  did  our 
knowledge  permit  us,  to  trace  all  the  branches  which  have 
sprung  from  the  original  stock — the  Rev.  Elisha  Kent^ — 
the  leading  foimder  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  between 
the  cities  of  New  York  and  Albany. — Ed.] 

K. 

Mr.  Johnston  used  with  great  good  humor  to  relate  seve- 
ral Irish  anecdotes.  The  following,  bearing  hard  on  him- 
self, are  a  specimen  : — 


222  APPENDIX. 

"I  had,"  said  he,  "employed  an  Irishman  to  repair  a 
drain  leading  from  my  kitchen  to  the  street.  Having 
finished  the  drain,  he  was  laying  down  the  flagging  that 
covered  it.  His  plan  did  not  please  me,  and  I  manifested 
dissatisfaction,  and  fretted  not  a  little.  He  stopped  his 
work,  and  looking  at  me,  said,  '  Mr.  Johnston,  there  are 
just  two  things  ahout  which  a  man  should  never  fret.  The 
one  is,  what  he  can  help,  and  the  other  is,  what  he  cannot 
help.  If  he  can  help  it,  he  had  better  go  and  do  it ;  and  if 
he  cannot  help  it,  what  is  the  use  of  fretting  ahout  it  ?'  I 
felt  reproved,"  says  Mr.  Johnstou,  "  and  have  many  times 
had  need  of  the  same  reproof." 

"  On  another  occasion,"  Mr.  Johnston  used  to  say,  "  I  was 
looking  at  several  laboring  men  engaged  in  removing  a  pile 
of  stones.  Trees  had  grown  up  among  them,  and  the  roots 
of  the  trees  were  interlocked  with  the  stones,  so  as  to  make 
it  difficult  to  remove  the  stones.  One  of  the  laborers,  appar- 
ently an  uncultivated,  rough,  ignorant  Irishman,  was  swear- 
ing at  the  roots  the  of  trees,  and  again  and  again  repeating 
the  name  of  the  devil.  I  gently  reproved  him  for  doing  so, 
and  immediately  he  set  his  pick  on  one  end,  and  looking 
very  quizzically  in  my  face,  with  a  half  triumphant  smile, 
he  said  in  a  real  Irish  brogue, '  Oh,  indeed,  sir,  I  did  not  think 
you  were  after  watching  me ;  isn't  it  hard  now,  that  because 
I  repate  the  name  of  the  ould  fellow,  I  must  be  called  to  an 
account  for  it,  and  you  and  the  like  of  ye  are  paid  by  the 
year  for  abusing  the  ould  fellow  ?'    I  thought  that  where 


iiPPENDlX.  223 

that  shot  came  from  there  was  more  in  store,  and  remem- 
bering that  'discretion  is  the  better  part  of  valor,'  I  retreated." 

L. 

Mrs.  Johnston  is  a  hneal  descendant  of  the  first  white 
woman  who  came  to  reside  where  the  village  of  Goshen 
now  is,  and  the  first  who  was  married  in  Orange  Connty. 
She  was  a  woman  of  small  stature,  but  of  great  energy  and 
indomitable  courage.  Samuel  "W.  Eager,  Esq.,  of  New- 
burgh,  has  given  an  interesting,  and  if  it  were  proper  to 
apply  the  term  to  authentic  history,  we  would  add,  roman- 
tic account  of  that  remarkable  woman :  for  in  respect  to 
wild,  and  perilous,  and  daring  adventure,  her  biography  has 
all  the  elements  of  romance.  Yet  the  account  is  a  record 
of  uncontradicted  tradition  in  the  County  of  Orange. 
"When  only  sixteen  years  old,  she  came,  without  a  female 
companion,  to  reside  in  a  wilderness  occupied  with  savages 
and  ferocious  beasts,  where  there  was  not  another  white 
woman  within  twenty  miles  of  her.  Her  maiden  name 
was  Sarah  "Wells,  and  she  married  William  Bull,  by  whom 
she  had  twelve  children,  all  of  whom  lived  to  marry  and 
have  children.  She  died  in  1796,  aged  one  hxmdred  and 
two  years  and  fifteen  days.  At  the  time  of  her  death,  her 
descendants  were : — 

12  children. 

98  grand-children. 
212  great-grand-children. 

13  great-great-grand-children. 

Total,  335 


224  APPENDIX. 

The  increase  from  these  335  descendants  in  sixty  years 
which  have  elapsed  since  her  death  must  be  very  great. 
It  may  be  questioned,  Mr.  Eager  remarks,  if  there  is  a  fam- 
ily in  the  State  that  exceeds  that  of  Sarah  Bull  in  the  num- 
ber of  its  descendants.  For  a  knowledge  of  the  circum- 
stances which  led  this  woman  to  reside  in  an  unbroken 
forest,  amidst  Indians  and  wild  beasts,  and  also  of  the  perils 
and  labors  which  she  underwent,  we  refer  the  reader  to 
Mr.  Eager's  History  of  Orange  County,  pages  454-i84. — 
Editob. 


After  the  preceding  pages  were  in  the  press,  a  journal, 
kept  by  Dr.  Johnston  during  an  excursion  to  the  Falls  of 
Niagara,  in  the  summer  of  1834,  came  into  the  hand  of  the 
Editor.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  only  excursion  of  any 
extent,  merely  for  the  purpose  of  recreation  and  pleasure, 
which  Dr.  Johnston  took  during  the  long  period  of  his 
ministry.  It  occurred  in  this  way.  Mr.  Thomas  Powell,  late 
of  Newburgh,  kindly  invited  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Johnston  to  accom- 
pany him  and  his  family  in  a  tour  to  the  Falls  of  Niagara, 
Saratoga,  and  intervening  places,  generously  offering  to 
pay  the  whole  expense.  The  party  consisted  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Powell  and  daughter,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnston,  and 
Mr.  Powell's  servant,  and  on  the  way  they  fell  in  company 
with  Mr.  Ramsdell,  who  afterwards  became  the  husband 
of  Miss  Powell.     The  journal  contains  interesting  sketches 


APPENDIX.  225 

of  places  visited,  and  incidents  of  travel,  evincing  that  Mr. 
Johnston  was  an  acute  observer  of  what  passed  under  his 
notice,  and  that  he  received  exquisite  pleasure  from  viewing 
the  beautiful  and  sublime  works  of  creation,  and  the  pro- 
ductions of  human  skill  and  industry.  Had  this  journal 
come  into  the  hands  of  the  Editor  sooner,  copious  extracts 
would  have  been  made,  exhibiting  in  a  favorable  light  the 
social  and  religious  character  of  the  Author.  Amidst  the 
delight  of  seeing  new  objects,  and  associating  with  new 
acquaintances,  he  never  forgot  that  he  was  a  Christian  and 
a  minister  of  the  gospel,  aud  he  was  ready  on  all  suitable 
occasions  to  recommend  the  religion  which  he  professed, 
and  the  Saviour  whom  he  loved. 


'  y 
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